Layoffs Hit NBC News: 150 Jobs Cut Ahead of Versant Split
The NBC News division is facing a significant shakeup as Comcast prepares to spin off Versant. Approximately 150 jobs are being cut, representing around 2% of the workforce, according to a source. These layoffs are part of a broader restructuring strategy, impacting various teams across the News Group.
The Versant spin-off will separate MSNBC and CNBC from NBC News, creating a new entity. This move reflects a shift in focus and resources, as NBC News will no longer provide newsgathering capabilities for these channels. The decision comes amidst broader economic concerns in the media sector.
Despite the layoffs, NBC News is investing in new areas. They are expanding their Sports Hub, partnering with NBC Sports to cover major events like the NBA, Milan Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Cup on Telemundo. Additionally, they are launching a subscription service later this year, offering premium content and expanding their daily podcast, 'Here’s the Scoop'.
To support this transition, NBC News is providing impacted employees with 60 days' notice, a severance package, and outplacement services. The division currently has around 140 open job postings, encouraging affected staff to explore new opportunities within the organization.
Cesar Conde, the leader of the NBC News Group, emphasized the company's commitment to rigorous fact-based reporting and its expansion into new media formats. He wrote, "We are preparing to launch our NBC News subscription service later this year, featuring the best of our coverage and new premium offerings." Conde also highlighted the company's marketing campaign, which aims to reinforce its reputation for accessible, fact-based reporting across all platforms.
