On September 19, 2026, the union that represents journalists and media staff at McClatchy newspapers announced that more than 90 unionized employees were being laid off. The cuts affect workers across seventeen McClatchy publications operating in California.
The union’s statement confirmed that the layoffs involve both reporters and other media personnel who were covered by the collective bargaining agreement. No individual names or specific job titles were disclosed beyond the broader categories of journalists and media workers.
The reduction comes as part of a broader pattern of workforce reductions within the state's newspaper sector. Industry observers have noted that California’s print news outlets have been confronting ongoing financial challenges, which have led to similar actions at other publishing firms in recent years.
While the union did not provide a timeline for the separations, it indicated that the affected employees will receive the standard severance and benefits outlined in their contract. The organization also said it will continue to advocate for the remaining staff and seek ways to protect jobs where possible.
The layoffs underscore the persistent difficulties facing newspapers in California, where declining advertising revenue and shifts in consumer news consumption have pressured publishers to cut costs. The McClatchy layoffs add to a series of recent staff reductions that have been reported across the state’s media landscape.
Union officials emphasized that the decision was driven by business conditions rather than performance issues. They urged the public to remain aware of the impact these changes may have on local news coverage.
The situation reflects an ongoing crisis in California’s newspaper industry, with the McClatchy cuts representing one of the larger recent workforce reductions in the region.