Internet Age overhaul of USA Today to cost jobs

"This significant restructuring reflects USA Today's evolution from a newspaper company to a multi-platform media company," said president and publisher David Hunke.

"I'm confident these key executive appointments in new and current departments will continue our legacy as a vital, valuable media brand across print, digital and mobile platforms."

USA Today's style has been to present catchy, short stories appealing to readers across the country.

The reorganization included the creation of five new departments and marked the most extensive overhaul of the publication since it launched in 1982.

The move came in the wake of unofficial reports that media colossus News Corporation is working on a US publication that will be delivered exclusively in digital format to mobile devices such as Apple's iPad tablet computers.

The USA Today overhaul will eliminate about 9 percent of the publication's staff of 1,500 people. A company spokesman told AFP it was too early to say how the layoffs would be distributed and orchestrated.

Steve Kurtz was appointed vice president of a digital development department which will focus on technology "to support USA Today's existing dot-com, mobile, iPhone and iPad platforms.

USA Today said it will begin putting out a Sports edition featuring multi-media content and material from other properties owned by parent-company Gannett.

Life Section editor Susan Weiss will take on a new role as executive editor of content, while Chet Czarniak was appointed executive editor of content distribution and programming for print, online and mobile platforms.

(c) 2010 AFP