Media24 has launched a consultation process on a new editorial operating model for publications within its Media division, a move that has reignited concerns about potential job losses at one of South Africa’s largest media companies.
According to a report published by News24 on Friday, the consultation process began earlier in the day and is being led by Minette Ferreira, the current chief executive of Media24’s Media division and the company’s incoming CEO.
In a statement cited by News24, outgoing Media24 CEO Raj Lalbahadur said the consultations were aimed at restructuring editorial management within the division.
“These consultations are intended to build a new operating model for mostly the editorial management in the division,” Lalbahadur said.
He said the process was intended to strengthen the long-term viability of the business amid ongoing challenges facing the media industry.
“The aim is further to build future sustainability for the Media division and continue the important contribution our platforms and publications make to democracy in South Africa.”
While Media24 has not disclosed whether the consultation process could result in retrenchments, the announcement is likely to raise anxiety among employees given the company’s recent history of restructuring and cost-cutting measures.
The company said it would handle the process with sensitivity and in accordance with labour legislation.
“The company is committed to managing this highly sensitive process with compassion,” the statement said.
Lalbahadur added that no further details would be released while consultations were under way.
“Unfortunately, we cannot share any further details until the process has been concluded.”
The latest consultation process comes after a series of significant restructuring measures undertaken by Media24 since 2024 as it sought to accelerate its transition to a digital-first business model.
Over the past two years, the company has sold logistics businesses M24 Logistics and On the Dot, disposed of community newspaper assets and sports titles including Laduma and Kick Off, and shut down several publications.
These included the print editions of Beeld and Rapport, while the digital publication City Press was closed more recently.
The restructuring efforts come against a difficult backdrop for the media industry globally, with traditional advertising revenues continuing to decline as digital advertising spending increasingly shifts to technology giants such as Google and Meta.
Media24 reported a loss of approximately R260 million for the financial year ended March 2026, while parent company Naspers disclosed in June that revenue from the division had declined by 28%.
Ferreira is expected to assume the role of Media24 chief executive on September 1, with Lalbahadur returning to his previous position as chief financial officer.
IOL has approached internal Media24 staff members for comment on the consultation process and its potential impact on employees. IOL has also contacted the editor-in-chief for comment.
Those contacted declined to comment.
Meanwhile, IOL has embarked on a significant recruitment drive, employing over 100 journalists and other media professionals as it expands in line with the media group’s drive to become South Africa’s preferred news publisher.
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