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National Broadcasting Company Inc. NBC News

NBC News Lays Off 150 Employees Ahead of Corporate Spinoff

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

NBC News is undergoing a significant transformation as the traditional television industry faces headwinds. As part of a corporate spinoff, the news division has begun laying off about 150 people, roughly 7 percent of its staff. The cuts will affect nearly every part of the organization, but anchors are exempt. Affected employees will receive severance and a subsidized benefits package. The layoffs come ahead of a split that will separate NBC News from cable networks like MSNBC and CNBC, and precede marquee events for the NBCUniversal News Group, including the World Cup and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Key Takeaways:

  • NBC News is laying off approximately 150 employees, or roughly 7 percent of its staff, amidst a corporate spinoff.
  • The cuts will affect nearly every part of the organization, but anchors are exempt from the layoffs.
  • Affected employees will receive 60 days' notice, severance, and a subsidized benefits package.
  • The layoffs precede a split that will separate NBC News from cable networks like MSNBC and CNBC.
  • NBCUniversal News Group is hiring for approximately 140 open positions across the group, with about a dozen eliminated positions being converted into new roles.
  • The decision comes amid a rapid transformation of the television industry, with NBC News planning to introduce a new subscription service and launching a new podcast, "Here's the Scoop."
  • NBC News is reshuffling its most prominent on-air talent, with Tom Llamas taking over as anchor of "NBC Nightly News" replacing Lester Holt.

Statistics:

  • 150 employees are being laid off by NBC News, representing 7 percent of its staff.
  • 60 days' notice is being given to affected employees.
  • 140 positions are open for hiring across the NBCUniversal News Group.
  • 12 eliminated positions are being converted into new roles within the News Group.
  • The new podcast "Here's the Scoop" marks NBC News' recent entry into the podcasting space.

Sources:

  • "NBC News Begins Laying Off About 150 Employees", by The New York Times (published date: not available, originally from "The New York Times" on unspecified date)
  • Two people familiar with the matter

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