The New York corporation that recently bought The Dallas Morning News will outsource the paper’s copy desk and print production teams – potentially firing 26 staff members.

The Dallas News Guild, which represents employees of The Dallas Morning News, announced on November 18 that the paper’s owner, the New York-based Hearst Corporation, is eliminating the entire copy desk, including for sports, and outsourcing print production. 

“Hearst has chosen to blatantly violate our contract, notifying valued employees of the loss of their jobs days before the holidays. On the day of the company Thanksgiving potluck, no less,” the union posted. “We are devastated for our colleagues.”

 

The Hearst Corporation, based in New York, bought The Dallas Morning News in July. This left The Dallas Express as the city’s only major Texan-owned and operated daily news outlet.

“We have kept an open mind about this merger. We had hope, and remain hopeful, that this can be a productive partnership that results in stronger journalism for the state of Texas,” Dallas News Guild officials posted. “But for that to happen, Hearst needs to respect our contract and come to the bargaining table in good faith.”

The Dallas Express contacted the office of The Dallas Morning News’ CEO and Publisher, Grant Moise, to ask his thoughts on the layoffs, whether other jobs are at risk, and whether he feels his own position is secure. 

In response, DallasNews Corporation President Katy Murray provided a statement from the paper to The Dallas Express, telling DX that The Dallas Morning News will outsource its print page design operations to an “external partner” in March 2026.

“This shift aligns with the centralized design model implemented across Hearst Newspapers since 2023,” the statement reads. “At the same time, 18 new roles will be created as part of continued efforts to invest in the newsroom under the leadership of Executive Editor Colleen Nelson,” per the statement Murray provided to The Dallas Express.

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The Dallas News Guild claimed the layoffs violated employees’ collective bargaining agreement, which dictates “the employer may not seek to eliminate more than 20 employees as a result of outsourcing.”

“There were clear paths to pursue changes in accordance with our contract. Hearst didn’t take those,” union officials wrote. “To say that sets bargaining off on the wrong foot is an understatement.”

All affected employees on the paper’s multiplatform desk were notified, and they were promised “generous severance packages,” according to the DallasNews Corporation’s statement. Officials encouraged “impacted colleagues” to apply for open positions within the paper, across Hearst papers, and across Hearst’s other businesses.

“This evolution enables continued investment in reporting, storytelling and digital innovation – ensuring The Dallas Morning News remains focused on delivering high-impact journalism that serves North Texas communities,” the statement reads. 

The Dallas News Guild said it and the Media Guild of the West would use all available legal channels to defend the employees’ contract, and are prepared for any action from Hearst. 

“We strongly condemn the actions of Hearst and call on them to honor our contract and work with the union as we all work toward a brighter future for the newsroom we care about,” union officials posted.

The Dallas Express CEO, Chris Putnam, predicted Hearst would begin “gutting” The Dallas Morning News. 

“The only thing ‘Dallas’ about it will be the name in the title soon,” Putnam posted on X. 

 

Hearst already owns several major Texas outlets, including the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News, as The Dallas Express previously reported. Other outlets under its umbrella include the Midland Reporter-Telegram, the Austin American-Statesman, and the Beaumont Enterprise.

The company reportedly promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives – partnering with national advocacy groups such as the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and the National Association of Asian American Professionals.

Meanwhile, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is owned by California-based McClatchy, which is controlled by a New Jersey hedge fund, Chatham Asset Management, as The Dallas Express reported. McClatchy has emphasized DEI for decades. 

 

Likewise, the Colorado-based Voice Media Group has owned The Dallas Observer since 2012. New York-based Gannett, affiliated with USA Today, also owns The El Paso Times.