There will be layoffs at Disney-ABC Television Group starting today. About 175 positions, or 2% of the division’s 7,600 workforce, will be affected. The majority of the cuts are expected in the areas of operations, including broadcast delivery systems, and the eight ABC Owned Stations. There also be a handful of layoffs in programming, mostly in daytime, and marketing.
As Disney-ABC shifts priority to new modes of distribution, including the new Watch ABC live streaming, the company is expected to add new positions that require different digital skills than those eliminated. “As technological advances continue to alter the competitive landscape and viewer habits, it’s incumbent upon us to stay ahead of the curve,” the company said in a statement. “To that end, we’ve undergone a review of our organizational structures and processes, and have re-imagined and realigned certain areas and functions to gain efficiencies and better position us for future growth.”
Disney has been undergoing staff reductions across the board, with the movie studio, consumer products and ESPN recently trimming workforces. Disney-ABC TV Group too laid off some 400 staffers in ABC News a few years ago, with insiders noting that the division went on to thrive and dominate the competition.
