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Business Insider Layoffs: 21% of Staff Cut in Shift to AI, Live Events

May 29, 2025 - variety.com
Business Insider, owned by Axel Springer, is laying off 21% of its staff as part of a strategic shift to focus on areas where it can lead and reduce reliance on traffic-sensitive businesses. CEO Barbara Peng announced the layoffs, marking the third major round in three years, and stated that the company is scaling back on categories that no longer drive meaningful readership. The publication is also shutting down most of its e-commerce business due to its reliance on search and is expanding its BI Live events business to connect directly with audiences. Additionally, Business Insider is fully embracing AI, having launched multiple AI-driven products and exploring how AI can enhance operations.

The Insider Union criticized the layoffs and the company's pivot towards AI, calling it a move away from journalism towards greed. Despite the layoffs, Peng emphasized that Business Insider is doubling down on areas with loyal readership and is committed to building a more focused and enduring publication. The company aims to harness AI to work more efficiently and is positioning itself to lead in the evolving media landscape. The changes are part of a broader strategy to adapt to industry challenges and opportunities, including the volatile nature of traffic and distribution.

Key takeaways:

  • Business Insider is laying off 21% of its staff as part of a strategic shift towards AI and live events.
  • The publication is reducing its focus on categories that no longer drive meaningful readership and shutting down most of its e-commerce business.
  • Business Insider is expanding its BI Live events business to showcase journalism and connect with audiences directly.
  • The Insider Union criticized the layoffs and the increased use of AI, calling it a pivot away from journalism.
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