Fifteen journalists have been fired from RÚV, the state broadcasting system, with the purpose being to make necessary cuts in light of budget cuts made in parliament.
RÚV director Páll Magnússon held a meeting with his employees last Friday making the announcement, saying that the company needed to cut 14 million ISK from their budget somehow. Regional broadcasting stations will also be closed.
The director faced some harsh criticism for the decision, however. Leftist-Greens and Social Democrats alike pointed out that the director still makes a sizeable salary himself and drives an Audi SUV. Leftist-Greens also lamented what they see as a low state in Icelandic journalism, with lay-offs being given to numerous on-the-ground journalists while directors and editors continue to thrive.
In response, Magnússon has returned the vehicle, which was in fact paid for by RÚV.