Major Shakeup at NBC News: 150 Jobs Cut as Versant Split Approaches

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Major Shakeup at NBC News: 150 Jobs Cut as Versant Split Approaches

On Wednesday, NBC News announced significant layoffs, cutting around 150 jobs, which is about 2% of its workforce. These cuts affect various teams within the NBC News Group, reflecting broader challenges in the media industry.

This decision comes amidst Comcast’s plans to spin off Versant, which will separate MSNBC and CNBC from NBC News. Currently, NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC operate together under the leadership of Cesar Conde. Sources indicate these layoffs are partly due to NBC News ceasing to support news gathering for CNBC and MSNBC, alongside concerns about the media sector’s economic landscape.

Despite these layoffs, NBC News is redirecting efforts towards new opportunities. The division plans to launch a subscription service and is exploring fresh areas of coverage, including sports. There are around 140 job openings available for current employees to consider.

In communications to staff, Conde highlighted the successful launch of their daily podcast, Here’s the Scoop, and mentioned ongoing projects such as the upcoming NBC News subscription service, which aims to offer premium content. Additionally, there’s an expansion of their Sports Hub in collaboration with NBC Sports, timed with major events like the NBA season and the Olympics.

Employees affected by the layoffs received a 60-day notice, coupled with severance packages and outplacement services to assist them in finding new jobs.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, it’s a challenging time for many organizations. Experts note that adapting to digital transformations and shifting viewer habits is crucial for survival in today’s market. The demand for diverse and engaging content remains high, as audiences increasingly turn to platforms that provide convenient and reliable news.

For more insights on media industry trends, you can read reports from sources like NPR or Pew Research Center.



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