The media corporations Alama media and Talentum have announced that they will merge operations. The move has prompted concerns that the move could lead to redundancies.The announcement of the merger referred to efforts to attain “part of the synergy of the amalgamation through, among other things, staff arrangements over time.” The companies said that one purpose of the merger is “to immediately examine possible changes in personnel linked to cost synergies.”The UJF has been in contact with union shop stewards at the companies, who believe that redundancy talks are on the horizon, but that they may not necessarily focus on journalists. But the shop stewards also point out that the two companies do not have overlapping operations and that the financial publications they produce, Kauppalehti and Talouselamä are distinctive brands.UJF head of advocacy Petri Savolainen pointed out that the announcement of the merger contained a positive message. The press announcement also states: “The company’s aim is to be a multi-channel media company that produces quality journalism, specialist literature and events, as well as other services for specific target groups. The strategy is to increase the turnover from digital consumer and business services, and bring digital services to the market from outside the publishing business. The combined company's goal is to be a motivating employees and an attractive employer that invests in the development of staff, particularly digital skills.”“Digitalisation features prominently,” said Savolainen, “and this indicates a developmental approach.”