WEHCO Media Lays Off 30 Percent of Workforce

WEHCO Media Inc. announced Tuesday that it will lay off 74 employees by the end of 2026, a reduction representing approximately 30 percent of its total workforce. The publisher cited industry-wide declines in print circulation and advertising revenue, alongside a broader shift toward digital media, as the drivers for the cuts.

The layoffs primarily target production, circulation, and advertising departments. While no newsroom staff at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette are affected, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will face a 25 percent workforce reduction, totaling 28 employees, including 13 newsroom positions.

Mark Lane, president of WEHCO Media’s newspaper division, stated the reductions are necessary to sustain operations and develop a sustainable business model for statewide journalism. Affected employees who remain until December 28 will receive separation pay based on years of service and compensated time off to seek new employment.