Disney Announces Layoffs Impacting Nearly 200 Employees

Empty cubicles in a media office after layoffs.

News Summary

Disney Co. is set to lay off nearly 200 staff from its ABC News division and Disney Entertainment Networks as part of a significant restructuring effort. This represents about 6% of the workforce within the division, with ABC News absorbing the majority of job cuts. The beloved data-driven site FiveThirtyEight will also be shut down, raising concerns over the future of data journalism. With layoffs occurring alongside restructuring, the media landscape continues to face substantial challenges amidst economic pressures.

Disney to Lay Off Nearly 200 Employees, Shutting Down FiveThirtyEight

Disney Co. has announced some pretty significant changes that are set to affect just under 200 jobs across its ABC News division and Disney Entertainment Networks. This round of layoffs represents about 6% of the workforce within the division, and folks, it’s a tough pill to swallow for those affected.

ABC News Takes a Hard Hit

ABC News seems to be feeling the brunt of these job cuts, and the closure of the data-savvy website FiveThirtyEight is a major part of the restructuring efforts. With this beloved platform no longer in operation, a lot of people are left wondering what it means for the landscape of data-driven journalism. FiveThirtyEight has seen its workforce decline over the years, dwindling from about 35 employees to just 15, and it has now reached its final curtain.

Changes to ABC Programming

Not only are staff numbers reducing, but ABC is also making some structural changes. The teams from popular shows like Nightline and 20/20 will now be consolidated into one program. In what seems to be an attempt for better efficiency, production teams for the three hours of Good Morning America will now operate under a single producer, Simone Swink. Additionally, digital and social operations within ABC News are being merged, indicating a strategic pivot towards unifying efforts in these digital spaces.

Impact on Other Areas

The ramifications of these staff reductions extend beyond just the ABC News division. Within the broader Disney entertainment networks, there will be cuts affecting program planning and scheduling, sending ripples through the entire entertainment landscape. It’s a tough time for the media industry, with various companies feeling the pressure to tighten their belts amid ongoing economic challenges.

A Broader Trend in Media

This move by Disney marks a continuing trend within the media world, as several companies have recently announced significant layoffs in response to pressing economic conditions. For example, just last month, another major player in the industry made headlines for shedding employees, indicating that this isn’t an isolated incident.

Reflections from Former Staff

The shut down of FiveThirtyEight especially raised eyebrows, with sentiments shared by former staff. Leaders and colleagues from that space expressed disappointment about the closure, emphasizing that the remaining employees deserved better. Many have fond memories of their time at FiveThirtyEight, noting the intense dedication and commitment of their team members.

A Cycle of Change

For ABC News, this isn’t the first time in recent months that job cuts have been announced. Last fall, around 75 positions were eliminated as part of a previous restructuring effort. Additionally, the company welcomed Almin Karamehmedovic as the president of ABC News in August of last year, signaling a period of transition for the division as it navigates these challenges.

What Lies Ahead?

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the repercussions of these layoffs remind us just how quickly things can change in the world of news and entertainment. With major adjustments underway, employees, viewers, and audiences alike are left wondering what the future holds for journalism, programming, and the dedicated teams who bring the news to life.

For now, we can only watch and see how the dust settles in this unfolding story. It’s safe to say that many are hoping for a brighter horizon for those impacted by these job cuts.