News of the closure of AAP newswire after 85 years of supplying content to national and global newspapers has sent shockwaves rippling through the media industry.
AAP CEO Bruce Davidson said on Tuesday that the business is no longer viable in the face of increasing free online content. He confirmed the loss of 180 jobs with the cessation of output at the end of June, whereas the AAP’s Pagemasters editorial production service will close at the end of August.
“AAP has been a critical part of journalism in Australia since 1935, and it is tragic that it will come to an end,” he said.
“Hundreds of wonderful journalists made their start at AAP and went on to brilliant careers. Many others chose to stay with the agency for several decades and are part of the revered ‘AAP family’.
“Many more amazing people have been part of the fabric of the company in critical support and management roles.
“I want to thank all of them for their service and contribution to Australian journalism over many years.”
The closure of AAP is yet the latest wave in a tsunami of global media turbulence which had also been strongly felt by Greece during the weight of the economic crisis.
