End of an era: Media24 begins consultations to close City Press

Media24 has confirmed the commencement of a consultation process to close one of its most iconic brands, City Press, placing approximately two dozen jobs at risk. This marks the second retrenchment process for the publication in just two years.

A LEGACY IN TRANSITION

Founded in 1982, City Pressquickly established itself as a powerhouse in South African journalism. The publication gained widespread popularity through its:

Rigorous political reporting

Development of renowned editors and journalists

Role as a significant voice in the country’s evolving media landscape

Despite its storied history, the publication has struggled to maintain financial viability. In 2024, City Press transitioned to an online-only format following a period of declining circulation numbers.

THE SHIFT TO DIGITAL

The decision to close comes after the publication failed to find its footing in a competitive digital market. While Media24 attempted to bolster the brand by incorporating City Press into the News24 ecosystem, the company stated that these efforts did not meet expectations.

Current circulation figures continued to lag significantly behind competitors, such as the Sunday Times, making the existing model unsustainable.

NEXT STEPS FOR STAFF
Section 189 consultations are currently underway with the 24 staff members potentially affected by the closure. These discussions will determine the final future of the employees as the group navigates the end of this media era.