Publisher Pearson PLC has announced that it will be merging the online and newspaper editing desks at Financial Times to create a "multimedia newsroom." 

"The FT has long been a pioneer in forging an integrated online and print newsroom, with web-first publishing and a unified editorial department," says Financial Times editor Lionel Barber. "Now we must take the next step."

The restructuring could eliminate about 50 positions, for which a voluntary layoff program will be introduced. The Financial Times is also in a consultation period with the National Union of Journalists to try to keep cuts to a minimum.

Pearson appointed Rona Fairhead as chief executive of the Financial Times group in May, with the intention that she direct "emerging digital technologies." A few other executives have also been hired to help with the integration process.