The Bakersfield Californian newspaper will begin outsourcing its printing operation in mid-March, a move that will cut 34 jobs at the newspaper's publishing centre.

The printing will be done by Nevada-based Brad Moseley Inc.

Richard Beene, president and CEO of the Californian, said outsourcing printing will enable the newspaper to focus on news, market research and sales, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The Teamsters union, which represents about 20 of the positions being eliminated, has said it will fight to keep the jobs in Bakersfield.