Summary
Reach plc reported half-year revenues down 9% and digital revenue down more than 11% for the six months to 30 June 2026, with page views falling 40 year-on-year. The results wiped almost a quarter from the company's market value. CEO Piers North acknowledged the figures were "tough" but insisted Reach's future depends on producing more distinctive, original content around brands including the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo and Newcastle Chronicle, rather than publishing high volumes of stories.
North confirmed further cost reductions would lead to additional job losses in the second half of 2026, though he declined to specify numbers. He said the publisher would simultaneously invest in marketing and other skills to support brand development and commercial growth through subscriptions and video content. Despite the market reaction, North argued Reach maintains strong audience reach, with 66% of the UK online population visiting its titles monthly, rising to around 70% in Manchester and Newcastle.
Read the full story at Prolific North
This is a summary written for the Manchester Business Services register. The full article belongs to Prolific North — read it at source.
Common questions
- What is this article about?
- Reach plc, publisher of the Manchester Evening News, has confirmed additional job losses this year after reporting a 9% fall in revenues and a 40% drop in page views. Chief executive Piers North says the publisher is shifting from high-volume content towards original journalism and paid subscriptions to improve profitability.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 22 July 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by Prolific North.