Business Insider Makes Huge Staff Cuts as It Goes ‘All-In’ on AI
May 29, 2025 - thedailybeast.com
Business Insider, part of the German media conglomerate Axel Springer, announced plans to lay off approximately 21% of its staff as it shifts focus towards integrating AI into its operations. CEO Barbara Peng explained that the decision comes amid pressures on business models, unstable distribution, and intense competition for attention. The layoffs will impact every department, leading to the end of most of its commerce business and some editorial sections. However, the company plans to launch a new event series, BI Live, to highlight its journalism and will hire staff for this initiative.
The company's union criticized the layoffs, noting that Axel Springer is a profitable entity and accusing it of prioritizing profit over journalism. Despite the cuts at Business Insider, Axel Springer confirmed that its other U.S.-based media outlets, such as Politico and Morning Brew, will not experience similar reductions. Business Insider declined to comment on the situation.
Key takeaways:
Business Insider plans to lay off roughly 21 percent of its staff as it focuses on integrating AI into its operations.
The layoffs will impact every department, with the company ending most of its commerce business and some editorial beats.
Business Insider intends to launch an event series called BI Live to showcase its journalism and plans to hire for this new team.
The company's union criticized the layoffs, accusing Axel Springer of prioritizing profit over journalism.
