The German media group Axel Springer announced on Tuesday that it is cutting jobs at the tabloid Bild and the newspaper Die Welt because artificial intelligence could “replace” journalists.

“Artificial intelligence is going to revolutionize journalism and the media industry because it can support or replace journalism,” said the group’s boss, Mathias Döpfner, in a letter to staff that AFP had access to.

“Journalistic creation (with reports, exclusives and editorials) becomes the heart” of the profession, while journalistic ‘production’ will become a ‘by-product’, he continues.

This production work is “increasingly (…) automated” due to the growing importance of artificial intelligence, Döpfner said, also quoted in a statement.

Thereafter, there will be “a significant reduction in jobs in production, layout, proofreading and administration”according to that email, which does not state the exact number of expected layoffs.

The group’s goal is “to improve profits by around EUR 100 million over the next three years thanks to an increase in turnover and cost savings”.

Axel Springer employs 18,000 people worldwide, of which 3,400 journalists.

According to Döpfner, the indicated strategy is to become 100% digital.

In 2022, according to the group, 85% of sales and more than 95% of profits will come from this modality, although printed content “remains profitable and essential for readers and advertisers”, the head of the group clarified. Therefore, “the full transition will take a few more years.”