National Geographic laid off the last remaining staff writers in its employ on Wednesday. 19 staff writers were let go and had been told about the decision a while ago, according to senior editorial members.Along with the staff writers, several photographs also saw their contracts not being renewed. The magazine – known worldwide for its stories related to the scientific and natural world – will now employ freelance writers for its upcoming publications.These layouts were part of the second round of job cuts that have been adopted by Disney, the parent company of National Geographic. In September 2022, the top six editors of the magazine were laid off as a cost-cutting measure.The National Geographic magazine, first published in 1888, is also slated to be taken off the US newsstands next year.National Geographic staff tweet farewell messagesAfter the news of the lay-offs was confirmed, a number of staff writers who were let go posted farewell messages on Twitter.My new National Geographic just arrived, which includes my latest feature—my 16th, and my last as a senior writer.NatGeo is laying off all of its staff writers.Ive been so lucky. I got to work w/incredible journalists and tell important, global stories. Its been an honor. pic.twitter.com/VOt6KydD5Z— Craig Welch (@CraigAWelch) June 28, 2023Its been an epic run, @NatGeo. My colleagues and I were unbelievably lucky to be the last-ever class of staff writers—certainly the coolest job Ill ever have, and possibly among the coolest to ever exist. Now onto the next thing! Open to all weird/fun/interesting ideas. pic.twitter.com/aFNPRSDyt0— Nina Strochlic (@NinaStrochlic) June 28, 2023Good news: some of the brightest, kindest, most creative minds in journalism are yours to scoop upAwful news: layoffs cut deep at Nat Geo yesterday— Maura Friedman (@MauraFriedman) April 25, 2023National Geographic is laying off its staff writers, including me.Its been a wonderful five years—an honor and a joy. Very proud of the work that my colleagues and I have done here.(Thread coming soon…)— Doug Main (@Douglas_Main) June 27, 2023National Geographic has assured its readers that the job cuts will not affect the quality of the magazines publication.“National Geographic will continue to publish a monthly magazine that is dedicated to exceptional multi-platform storytelling with cultural impact,” according to National Geographics statement to CNN. “Staffing changes will not change our ability to do this work, but rather give us more flexibility to tell different stories and meet our audiences where they are across our many platforms. Any insinuation that the recent changes will negatively impact the magazine, or the quality of our storytelling, is simply incorrect.”
