By Jared Lynch and Thomas Hounslow
News Corp is axing its free afternoon commuter publication mX as readers continue their migration from print to online.
The Rupert Murdoch-controlled company said on Thursday it would close the daily newspaper, which is distributed on train platforms and other CBD locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Workers for street magazine mX are left shocked after finding out they will be jobless after News Corp decides they will be axing the publication.
Staff have been told the publication will cease in two weeks.
"News will continue to invest in our extensive suite of print and digital products, which are purchased and read by millions of Australians every day."
Commuters will need to find something else to read on the train home. Credit: Neil Newitt
The equivalent of 30 full time journalists will be affected across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, but it is not clear how many will lose their jobs.
The paper's five staff in Brisbane had no warning the axe was about to fall and were first informed about their closure early Thursday afternoon.
The closure comes three months after a restructure that dramatically cut staffing numbers across its three metro sites to create a greater sharing of content.
mX newspapers are handed out to commuters at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday.Credit: Shu Yeung
At the same time, the company poured $200,000 into the development of a smartphone app and its digital site.
The paper was first published in Melbourne in 2001 before rapidly growing to other major cities including Sydney and Brisbane.
with staff writers
