Philly Inquirer, Daily News to consolidate, cut jobs

Philadelphia — The owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer and its sister paper, the Philadelphia Daily News, plans to merge newsrooms and cut jobs but continue to put out two separate newspapers.

Publisher Terrance Egger said Friday its digital operation, Philly.com, would also be part of the consolidation.

He told employees the move to a single newsroom will save Philadelphia Media Network $5 million to $6 million.

Principal owner Gerry Lenfest says the newsroom merger will make the company more efficient. Instead of multiple reporters being sent to the same event, Lenfest says one will now go. He says the challenge will be to assure the papers and website keep their distinctive voices.

The publisher did not give a job cut estimate.

He also said the company will look at charging for its digital products.