Due to “significant realignment,” U.S.-based Catholic News Service (CNS), the news agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will end domestic operations at the end of 2022.
“These changes, although painful, will allow the remaining functions — including the Catholic News Service Rome Bureau and the Office of Public Affairs — a more sustainable foundation upon which to do their work,” the U.S. bishops’ conference explained in a May 4 statement.
The statement continued: “Sadly, this will impact a number of staff,” the statement continued. “We are grateful for the time and dedication of the committed team of communicators at the conference who serve the Church; job transitions can be difficult, and as this is a personnel matter, further detail will not be discussed at this time.”
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USCCB Publishing will cease its publishing operations at the end of 2022. This division holds the rights to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the U.S. Adult Catechism, and other publications.
The news service dates back to 1920. It has long provided news and other media content to dozens of diocesan publications and other paid subscribers across the country.
“For more than a century, Catholic News Service has served the local, national and international Catholic press,” said Greg Erlandson, CNS editor-in-chief, who said he was “profoundly saddened by this decision.”
“I am proud of the professionalism of our staff of editors, journalists and photographers and of all that they have accomplished,” Erlandson added.
Some CNS staff took to Twitter to react to the news and to share expressions of support.
“THANK YOU for your messages regarding the closing of U.S. operations for Catholic New Service,” CNS reporter and editor Rhina Guidos said. “I think we’re more concerned with the state of Catholic media, (and) the future for our amazing and brave clients, than with ourselves. Each day in journalism is a privilege.”
The changes will result in 21 employees losing their jobs, including those in public affairs, creative services, and marketing and episcopal resources, according to Catholic News Service.
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Article culled from CNA article by Kevin J. Jones and other sources.
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