Australian national news agency Australian Associated Press (AAP) announced on Tuesday that it is closing after 85 years.
AAP employs more than 170 journalists across Australia providing newswire, sub-editing and photography services to media organisations and consumers across the country.
Editor-in-Chief Tony Gillies said in a tweet: “The saddest day: AAP closes after 85 years of excellence in journalism. The AAP family will be sorely missed.”
His comments come after CEO Bruce Davidson officially addressed staff on Tuesday afternoon. Davidson said the business was no longer viable in the face of increasing free online content. “This decision has been made with very heavy hearts. It’s been made on an economic and financial basis,” said Davidson in a statement.
AAP’s newswire service will end on 26 June, with its sub-editing and photo services to close in August.
AAP is owned by Nine, News Corp Australia, The West Australian and Australian Community Media.
