Nine Axes Vice, Gizmodo, and More in Major Restructure; CEO Steps Down Amid $30m Cost-Cutting Drive
July 9, 2024Pedestrian Group, owned by Nine, is undergoing a major restructure in Australia.
Popular tech and culture news websites like Vice, Gizmodo, Refinery29, Kotaku, and Lifehacker will be closed.
The decision aims to focus on Nine's wholly owned brands like Pedestrian due to financial challenges.
Factors influencing the closure include declining advertising revenues and competition from TikTok and Instagram.
CEO Matt Rowley will step down, with up to 40 jobs being cut or potentially redeployed.
This move is part of broader job cuts at Nine aimed at saving $30 million.
The restructuring follows the shutdown of tech site rivals ZDNet, CNET, and Gamespot.
Nine's digital titles and newsroom staff have voted for protected industrial action in response to the cuts.
Affected employees have expressed sadness over the closure of their beloved publications.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Jul 8, 2024
Vice, Kotaku, Refinery29 to no longer publish in Australia after Pedestrian Group announces restructureThe Sydney Morning Herald • Jul 8, 2024
Pedestrian boss to depart as group slashes staff and titlesGamesIndustry.biz • Jul 8, 2024
Kotaku Australia to shut down