One effect of sacking large numbers of journos is that those remaining will have less time to file more content. Which, based on what we’ve seen in the past, is often a great opportunity for PR flacks hoping that their thinly-veiled advertorial media releases might appear in formerly credible publications with little scrutiny.

Here’s Tina Alldis, head of publicity at agency Mango PR, cheerfully predicting such a glorious outcome following the recent announcements by Fairfax and News Ltd:

Less (sic) journos will also mean that publications will be looking for content they can syndicate across the networks. Knowing this we must ensure our stories either carry national interest or can easily be adapted for each metro and regional market as needed.

Tina was roundly condemned by journalists for that piece, of course. There are now two apologies on the original post seeking forgiveness for the insensitivity of dancing on the graves of people about to lose their jobs. Her boss:

I would like to apologise on behalf of the Mango team for this opinion piece. While I encourage my team to have opinions and be active in the industry and media landscape, this piece is insensitive. We hold journalists in high esteem and apologise for the offence caused.

Yeah, it’s all about the journalists.

But there was very little acknowledgement or concern about what her central point predicts and admits. That PR agencies – those run by people like Tina but with the sense not to expose what they’re doing – will of course take advantage of the journalists’ weaker position to further undermine the independence and credibility of actual news reporting.

And that will be hurting Australia long after the individuals losing their jobs have re-established their lives.