Australian Community Media (ACM) has announced another round of redundancies, this time targeting its print production team. Up to nine roles – around a third of the team – are set to be cut following the loss of 35 newsroom jobs just three months ago.
The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) confirmed the layoffs, raising concerns about the future of regional journalism and ACM’s ongoing restructuring efforts.
Up to nine print production roles are set to go, with fears mounting that ACM is moving towards using artificial intelligence (AI) to replace experienced journalists. The MEAA has called for urgent consultation with ACM on the implications of AI, warning that such moves risk undermining news quality and community trust.
“AI remains unregulated in Australia, and any attempt to replace journalists with AI tools would ignore public demand for strong laws to manage its risks,” said MEAA acting CEO Adam Portelli.
It was just months ago that ACM axed 35 newsroom jobs, halted printing of eight newspapers, and ceased publication of several regional titles, including the Moree Champion and Tenterfield Star.
The MEAA has condemned ACM’s actions, vowing to campaign for stronger laws to protect local journalism and ensure that newsrooms prioritize skilled reporters over untested AI tools.
Meanwhile, news of the redundancies come less than a day after the announcement that ACM, promoted Jarrah Petzold to chief marketing officer.
Jarrah Petzold.
Since joining ACM 18 months ago as director of marketing, Petzold has driven double-digit growth in regional and agricultural subscriptions and spearheaded innovative projects like the transformation of ACM’s Western NSW brands to a “digital + weekend” model. He also led the launches of Farmers Finance Australia and ViewJobs, further cementing ACM’s role in regional communities.
In his expanded role, Petzold will oversee ACM’s commercial strategy, uniting research, creative, trade, and consumer marketing to strengthen connections between businesses and regional audiences.
Pictured: ACM titles