NBC News plans to lay off about 100 to 150 staffers in response to the economic downturn in the media industry and the impending separation of NBCUniversal’s CNBC and MSNBC into a new publicly traded company, Versant, people familiar with the matter said. Affected employees will be notified on Wednesday, the official said.
There are no plans for all affected staff to resign. People are encouraged to apply for 140 active open positions across the company’s news operations. Approximately 12 of the removed positions have been repurposed as new positions, and those affected are encouraged to apply for those positions.
Overall, the affected positions will represent 7% to 8% of NBC News’ employee base and approximately 2% of all positions in the company’s broader news business.
“Today is a difficult day. We have had to make some difficult decisions, including the reduction of positions across NBC News. These decisions are necessary to remain strong as an industry leader, but they are not easy and should not be taken lightly,” NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde said in a memo to staff Wednesday. “We have worked to minimize the number of team members affected. Our team’s decisions should not be seen as a reflection of our departing colleagues. We will miss them and their valuable contributions.”
The layoffs have been expected for several weeks, especially since NBC News Group, the umbrella division that encompasses both the cable networks and NBC News-related businesses, will be split into two, with cable revenue going to Versant’s feed operations.
It is expected to build a news business in the near future. Last week, NBC News Group Chairman Cesar Conde spoke about plans to launch new subscription products for mobile viewers and the growing focus on sports.
NBC is also working to cut costs. Paramount Skydance is expected to cut hundreds of employees, including from the CBS News group, in the coming weeks as it seeks to cut spending. CNN has been laying off employees in recent months as it expands its focus on digital.
