Cristiano Ronaldo's media company plans to lay off journalists as a method of reducing expenses.
The Portuguese Journalists' Union Slams Ronaldo's Media Company for Mass Job Cuts
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Protestors rally in Lisbon in support of Medialivre staff, as the company slashes jobs to save cash.
Medialivre, a media company with a 30% stake owned by football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced it'll be shedding a chunk of its journalists. According to the Portuguese media workers' union, as many as 10 employees face the axe[1][2].
Vítor Mota, a photojournalist and union rep at Medialivre, revealed to our site that the 10 specifically targeted employees received dismissal notices on Wednesday[1]. And just a day before Labour Day, the timing of the job cuts has left activists fuming, calling it "unacceptable."
Mota, who's our very own boots-on-the-ground reporter and slated to join the ranks of the axed, points out that the redundancies affect eight photographers in Lisbon's headquarters and the Porto division's two permanent writers[1].
Though precise numbers aren't clear, the union hints at possible broader job cuts[1]. But, Mota cautions, it’s still too early to know for sure.
The union is, however, gearing up to dispute the dismissal of the 10 currently confirmed workers, who’ll need to keep working until the legal logistics of their layoffs have been sorted out.
With over 730 employees, Medialivre boasts quite the staff. Approximately 300 of those workers are journalists[1].
The union made its stance loud and clear in a statement, slamming the move as "surprising and shocking"[1]. They believe that announcing layoffs on the brink of Labour Day is a low blow, especially when you consider the day's historical significance[1].
"We can see that they're trying to cut jobs for a quick buck," Mota told our site. "But our view is that a media company that relies on free photography loses its independence."
In response to our request for comment, Medialivre has remained radio silent[1].
Filing this report under the section of bittersweet irony, Ronaldo's fortune was reportedly in excess of €250 million last year[1]. The union blasted him for partaking in this cost-saving maneuver and allowing these layoffs loom.
Medialivre not only pumps out newspapers such as Correio da Manhã, Record, Jornal de Negócios, and the magazine Sábado, it also owns the TV channel NOW[1].
As protests continue, the Portuguese journalists are determined to stand united, calling for the preservation of their hard-earned jobs and media independence.
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Journalists across Portugal are protesting Medialivre's decision to lay off some of its staff, including photographers and writers, led by union representative Vitor Mota. The media company, which is part-owned by football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, announced a chunk of job cuts to save cash, prompting criticism from the union. Despite the seemingly high staff count of over 730 employees at Medialivre, approximately 300 of whom are journalists, the union believes that the job cuts are an attempt by the company to save money at the expense of media independence. The union has called the timing of the layoffs, which occurred just a day before Labour Day, "unacceptable." In response to these events, Ronaldo's involvement in the cost-saving measures has attracted criticism from the union, particularly given his reported wealth of over €250 million last year.
