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Media Trends

Axios Media Trends

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Refinery29 has quietly laid off staff as it plans to shutter its U.K. office, Axios has learned. 

Why it matters: It's the latest cost-cutting move by the female-focused outlet under its new management amid ongoing turmoil across digital media.  

Zoom in: U.K. employees were notified last week of layoffs alongside the office being closed, sources told Axios.

Others are also being let go, including senior editorial staff and directors outside the U.K. 

Catch up quick: Vice Media sold Refinery29 to Sundial Media Group, parent company to Essence magazine, amid a broader asset sale last year.

Sundial, which was recently renamed to Sundial Technology & Media Group, planned to revive the struggling publication, most notably through events. 

These cuts follow a December round of layoffs and the abrupt exit of Refinery29 CEO Cory Haik.

What they're saying: A Refinery29 spokesperson told Axios, "This is a pivotal moment for Sundial Technology & Media Group as we step forward into our more fulsome potential as a human connections company. Changes are difficult, and we remain confident in what we are building together."

"STMG is leading a transformation in media, one where technology amplifies, not replaces, human creativity. We're entering a new era as Refinery29 turns 20 years old. We'll continue to serve her communities across Somos, Unbothered, and Beautycon."

"Our mission has always been to deepen connection, and together we are adapting to change and defining it with innovation, integrity, and purpose," the statement said.

The big picture: Digital media brands once pursued international expansion as a clear path for growth. A decade later, those same outlets are pulling back and refocusing on survival in the U.S. 

BuzzFeed opened a London office in 2013. Mashable launched a U.K. operation as its first international office in 2014. Refinery29 announced its U.K. site in 2015. 

Those international branches have since been downsized, cut or outsourced. In 2024, BuzzFeed announced a multiyear license and strategic partnership with The Independent to manage U.K. versions of BuzzFeed, Tasty and HuffPost and its Black British identity brand Seasoned. 

These digital media companies are now leaning into their domestic audiences and direct-to-reader products with newsletters, apps and live events.

Refinery29 lays off staff, shutters U.K. office

It's the latest cost-cutting move at the female-focused digital media brand under new management.

Illustration of two cursor hands holding a box full of office supplies.

Media

Refinery29 has quietly laid off staff as it plans to shutter its U.K. office, Axios has learned. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest cost-cutting move by the female-focused outlet under its new management amid ongoing turmoil across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="digital media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/publishers-google-zero" data-vars-content-id="4662a33a-6799-447e-9879-e68065207aa7" data-vars-headline="Refinery29 lays off staff, shutters U.K. office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/publishers-google-zero" target="_self">digital media</a>.

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Refinery29 lays off staff, shutters U.K. office

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