Reach PLC

Reach will cut 220 editorial roles, close three online-only brands (KentLive, AberdeenLive, GalwayBeo) and create about 60 new editorial positions focused on driving digital revenue such as subscriptions and long-form video. The publisher cited a “mammoth shift” in audience behaviour, including a 46% year-on-year drop in Google referrals due to AI features that reduce click-throughs. Digital revenues fell nearly 1% to £128.9m and the group has 50,000 paid digital subscribers with a target of 75,000 by year-end; the company’s share price has fallen about 90% over five years. » More on theguardian.com

Reach has bought 450,000 ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange at 0.454254 pence each for its employee trust to offset dilution from employee share schemes. After the purchase the trust holds 3,136,645 ordinary shares, representing 0.97% of the issued share capital of 322,085,269 shares (including 3,748,968 treasury shares). The shares are to be used to satisfy employee share options and restricted shares, including for senior executives; further purchases are being considered. » More on de.investing.com

Reach has acquired 142,493 ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange at a price of 0.549807 pence per share for its Employee Benefit Trust. The trust therefore holds 2,738,602 ordinary shares, representing 0.85% of the issued share capital. The purchase is intended to satisfy claims arising from share options and the release of restricted shares and to manage dilution from share plans; further purchases are possible. » More on de.investing.com

Reach reported a 3.7% revenue decline for 2025 to £518m, but increased adjusted operating profit by 2.4% to £105m (operating margin 20%); the stock fell sharply afterwards. The company is accelerating its shift to video with around 110 new video roles, more than 300 contributions per day and a growing audience off its own platforms (+20%). Reach is advancing AI integration (26% of articles AI-assisted, company-wide use of Gemini) and has launched a digital premium subscription with 15,000 subscribers, targeting 75,000 by end-2026. To cut costs Reach plans to close two print sites, expects adjusted operating costs to fall 5–6% in 2026 and anticipates one-off restructuring charges of about £25m. » More on de.investing.com

Reach reported a revenue decline of 3.7% to £518m for the second half of 2025, while operating profit rose 2.4% to £105m thanks to strict cost management. Operating expenses were cut by 5.2%; measures included a 4% reduction in staff and consolidation of the print business. The company aims for 75,000 digital subscribers by the end of 2026 and plans to invest more in video content and AI. After the results, the stock fell about 8.65% in pre-market trading, reflecting a cautious investor reaction. » More on de.investing.com