They are restructuring their whole operations.
Prior to this latest reduction in the magazines they announced that it was with the hope that they could focus on more translations. They've been buying up smaller buildings around the world to serve as translation offices.
They've already spent a lot of money in order to produce video presentations. They've had all KH's invest in screening equipment. They've said that they plan to produce movie video's, they paid $6 million for a dedicated studio not long ago.
These are expenses they didn't have before and who knows what else they have planned. They've got to cut down on spending for things that aren't necessary to meet their new goals.
They don't need to pay for pioneers, they've got plenty who will do it for free. The number of hours spent in the witnessing work has gone up far greater than their increase in publishers.
They are cutting down on labour within the Bethel's for work that is unnecessary. They will probably only recruit for qualified individuals in the future.
They see the need to become smarter with their money.