Local news website Liverpool World is understood to be “under review” as Iconic Media announces it will close sister sites London World and Bristol World. 17 journalists are at risk of redundancy. As a result of the already confirmed closures
Hold the Front Page has received confirmation of the Southern title closures from Iconic Media, the new name for Yorkshire Post publisher National World following last year’s sale to Media Concierge, and Prolific North has contacted Iconic for further information on the Liverpool World situation.
National World initially launched the ‘World’ branded sites in areas where it did not previously have print titles, and Manchester World, Glasgow World, Newcastle World, and Birmingham World are expected to remain in operation.
The move forms part of a wide-ranging restructure announced by Iconic Media last month, promising a move back towards more “community-focused journalism,” with new offices and named editors for every title promised.
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Although 17 roles across the group have been placed at risk of redundancy due to the latest restructuring, Iconic says some will be redeployed into newly-created positions.
Among those at risk of redundancy is Abigail Rabbett, who has been editor of London World since 2024 and previously edited sister title Nottingham World.
The closures follow a review of the ‘World’ titles which found that Glasgow World and Newcastle World in particular were performing strongly.
The UK-wide side National World, which aggregates content from across the network, will also remain live, although HTFP reports that it may be renamed.
Addressing the latest restructure in a group email to staff, Iconic’s chief publishing officer Martin Little said: “We will simplify our editorial structure by reducing duplication, resizing teams where appropriate and removing roles that are no longer required under the new model.
“At the same time, we will prioritise building capacity in our local newsrooms, ensuring resources are focused where they have the greatest impact for our audiences and our brands.”
