Catholic Newspaper to Cut Staff

Cincinnati, Ohio’s St. Anthony Messenger Press will cut staff, closing its Cincinnati telemarketing center, offering voluntary early retirement, and cutting its independent sales force. It would not say how many jobs will be lost.

The firm will instead focus on its “inspirational” products and services. The firm is looking into cutting salaries and bonuses.

The religious publisher blames the decline of its traditional Catholic audience, and the shifting of readers from print to online sources.

Besides its 116-year-old flagship publication, St. Anthony Messenger, the company publishes books, newsletters and audio books; produces syndicated radio programs, DVDs and videos; and operates seven Web sites.

The company is sponsored by the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province.