EASTON, Pa. — Recent layoffs announced for Hearst Magazines have impacted the staff at their Easton office, officials have confirmed.
The publisher, which controls more than 25 brands such as Elle, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, Popular Mechanics and Women’s Health, confirmed the layoffs last week.
They will include members of the brand’s Easton office, the Riverview Heritage building.
Details concerning the size of the layoffs and departments affected by the decision have not been announced.
“These workers deserved better.”Writers Guild of America East Executive Director Sam Wheeler
“We are focused on producing the highest-quality storytelling, driving digital innovation and improving our already market-leading print products, and are making strategic personnel decisions to better support our goals and drive long-term growth,” a Hearst Magazines spokesperson said via email.
Writers Guild of America East Executive Director Sam Wheeler expressed far stronger opinions on the matter. The organization represents workers at Hearst Magazines.
Wheeler referred to Hearst as “anti-union,” and said the company “became the latest media company to enact needless, irresponsible, and cruel layoffs of editorial employees.”
“Unsurprisingly, the small army of senior executives with make-work jobs and self-important titles, who add little to nothing to build Hearst’s brands, apparently made it through today relatively unscathed,” Wheeler said in a statement.
“Readers go to Hearst because of the talent and craft of its editorial employees. These workers make Hearst what it is.
"Until Hearst and the rest of the media industry recognize that the workers are the most valuable part of their companies and brands, they will continue their race to the bottom with no one to blame but themselves.
“These workers deserved better.”
'Focused on delivering content'
Hearst originally leased the Easton office, on the former Heritage Lanes bowling alley across the street from City Hall, in 2018 to serve as a home for the editorial teams of Enthusiast Group brands Bicycling and Runner’s World.
A news release from Hearst stated more than 75 employees were intended to work in the new space.
“We’re very focused on delivering content and products that both serve a purpose and satisfy a need in our readers’ lives,” former Hearst Magazines President Troy Young said at the time.
“For true enthusiasts, their passion point lies at the center of their lives — it’s not what they do, but who they are — and this new space in the vibrant town of Easton will provide a backdrop that inspires innovation and creativity.”
" I know that I am not alone."Jennifer Leman, a senior editor for several Hearst magazines
Young resigned from his position in 2020 following allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior, including sexual harassment.
The Heritage Riverview building went on sale in 2024, though the lease on the property still is active.
In March 2023, workers at Hearst's Easton office staged a walk-out, citing low wages and unfair workloads.
"Now we'll get a little personal here," Jennifer Leman, a senior editor for several Hearst magazines said through a megaphone during the demonstration.
"I have worked many jobs to supplement my income. I have worked as a custodian — I have done custodial work. I have worked graveyard shifts as a security guard.
"I have worked in restaurants I have worked at farmer's markets. Thank you. I know that I am not alone."
