Journalists from Vision's magazine mobilize to preserve its operation; union classified mass dismissals as "shameful"
In the ever-evolving media landscape, the collective dismissal of around 80 workers at Trust in News has raised eyebrows, particularly among eleven journalists from Visão magazine. This mass layoff comes in the wake of a court ruling in Sintra, which has sparked concerns about the rights and protections of the dismissed employees.
The employment rights of these workers are under scrutiny, especially in the context of ongoing legislative changes reflected in the Employment Rights Bill. This bill aims to bolster workers’ protections, including against unfair dismissal from day one of employment or during probationary periods. The large-scale layoff at Trust in News has stirred discussions about whether these dismissals comply with the evolving legal standards and whether workers are being treated fairly in this process.
The concern among the Visão journalists is not limited to the Trust in News case. They are worried about the broader implications of such dismissals in a climate where employment rights are under review and large-scale layoffs remain a significant social and economic issue. This raises questions about potential conflicts between employer decisions and employee protections.
Meanwhile, the media industry as a whole is undergoing significant changes. Streaming services have become major players, while the rise of podcasts is a notable trend. Traditional television ratings are declining, and digital advertising revenue is growing. Amidst these shifts, media companies are investing heavily in technology to stay competitive and are focusing on creating original content.
However, concerns about media consolidation and its impact on diversity and competition persist. The maintenance of currently operating publications is a divisive issue, with many advocating for a balanced approach to ensure a diverse and competitive media landscape.
In a positive development, a court in Sintra recently approved a recovery plan for a company that owns 16 publications, including Visão, Jornal de Letras, and Exame. This decision offers a glimmer of hope for the future of these publications.
As the media industry continues to evolve, the concerns raised by the Visão journalists serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting workers’ rights and maintaining a diverse and competitive media landscape. The ongoing debates about employment rights and media consolidation will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry.
[1] Employment Rights Bill (2025) [2] Media Consolidation and Its Impact on Diversity and Competition (2022) [3] The Rise of Podcasts in the Media Industry (2021) [4] Digital Advertising Revenue Growth in the Media Industry (2020)
- The Employment Rights Bill (2025) strives to strengthen workers' protections, such as prohibiting unfair dismissals from the first day of employment, acknowledging the ongoing controversies surrounding dismissals in the business world, including the layoffs at Trust in News.
- In the media industry, where finance plays a crucial role in determining the survival of publications, the recent court approval of a recovery plan for a company owning several publications, such as Visão, Jornal de Letras, and Exame, may offer some financial relief, bringing attention to the importance of such business decisions in maintaining diversity and competition.
