A decision to reduce the size of the niche and magazine publishing portfolio has also been taken as a result of the reduction in advertising budgets across the industry. However Media Wales will continue to serve advertisers through the quality content and unrivalled audience reach of its newspapers and digital brands.
The continued focus on driving further efficiencies from Media Wales' successful and innovative multimedia newsroom and the changes to our niche and magazine portfolio will result in the anticipated reduction of 12 full-time roles.
The last editions of the Neath and Port Talbot Guardians will be published on October 1 and it is anticipated that a further three full-time, and one part-time, editorial roles will be lost as a consequence of these closures.
Alan Edmunds, Publishing Director, Media Wales, said: "Since the introduction of our multimedia newsroom in April 2008, we have continued to review its progress and to seek new ways of improving the way we work. We now believe the time is right, when taking the economic conditions into account, to make further changes to build on what we have achieved."
"It is regrettable that in these tough economic times we are unable to continue publication of the Neath and Port Talbot Guardians. We thank readers of the title for their support and will continue to serve them with news through our website, WalesOnline.co.uk and through the news pages of the Western Mail."
Sara Wilde (pictured), Regional Managing Director, Trinity Mirror North West and Wales, said: "The decision to cease publication of the Neath and Port Talbot Guardians reflects the challenging economic conditions affecting our local advertising markets and a declining trend in weekly newspaper sales. These actions will enable Media Wales to move forward into 2010 with confidence as we look to protect and develop our strong portfolio of print products and our online presence through WalesOnline.co.uk."
