A round of layoffs today at ABC News and ABC-owned stations is impacting about 75 employees in the latest cutbacks in the industry.
The job reductions are split evenly between the two divisions, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Almin Karamehmedovic, president of ABC News, wrote in a memo to employees this morning that “across the various ranks of ABC News, a limited number of our colleagues are being impacted by staff reductions. As you know, this has been happening across the broader company and the industry at large in recent weeks and months. For us, it means shaping a team that embraces the new media landscape and evolves along with it, which we must do to continue serving our viewers.”
No teams were eliminated, and the cutbacks won’t impact national or local programming, according to a person familiar with the situation.
But the layoffs come an at increasingly unstable time for the business, as networks grapple with shifting viewing habits and soft advertising. CBS News underwent a round of layoffs last month, as CBS parent Paramount Global trims 15% of its workforce.
In his note to employees, Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, wrote, “It’s no secret that our industry is undergoing a transformation unlike any other, and we’re seeing headlines every day about streamlining across every major media company. While we’re not immune to the pressures facing this business today, we have been – and will continue to be – strategic with decisions about our organization’s future.”
The job cuts are taking place amid staff reductions and restructuring elsewhere at The Walt Disney Co. About 300 people were affected by layoffs last month across Disney’s corporate operations, including legal, HR, finance and communications. Variety first reported on the news layoffs.
Here is Karamehmedovic’s full note:
Team,
As we look to the future and refining a team that is not only capable of excellence in reporting and delivering the highest quality content but is also streamlined and sustainable, we must occasionally make some tough decisions. Unfortunately, today is one of those days.
Across the various ranks of ABC News, a limited number of our colleagues are being impacted by staff reductions. As you know, this has been happening across the broader company and the industry at large in recent weeks and months. For us, it means shaping a team that embraces the new media landscape and evolves along with it, which we must do to continue serving our viewers.
Of course, this news is the most difficult for those who are directly affected. To those individuals, I want to say your contributions have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for serving the team and our profession on behalf of the entire ABC News family.
I hope everyone will take a moment to reflect on our work and acknowledge the role each of us plays, and be proud of what we accomplish together. When I consider the privilege I have of leading this incredible team, I am filled with pride knowing I am working alongside the best in the business.
Thank you,
Almin
Here is Matthews’ full note:
Team,
Across our OTV family today, some difficult conversations are being had with a limited number of individuals whose jobs are being impacted because of staff reductions. These decisions were extremely difficult and made with the utmost care and respect for all those involved as well as the needs of each specific station.
It’s no secret that our industry is undergoing a transformation unlike any other, and we’re seeing headlines every day about streamlining across every major media company. While we’re not immune to the pressures facing this business today, we have been – and will continue to be – strategic with decisions about our organization’s future.
Local news is the lifeblood of every market, and we are fortunate to have so many talented teams across the country invested in the communities the way that you are. Nothing is going to change our commitment to viewers as we evolve our organization to meet the challenges of today and in the future.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone across our OTVs and, in particular, those individuals who are being impacted today. You will forever be a part of the success and legacy of your station, and I join your colleagues in thanking you for your outstanding work and dedication to this profession.In the coming days, leaders may follow up with you or your team with additional information. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to them or your HR business partner with any questions.
Thank you,
Chad