Jamie Spencer
The Walt Disney Co. is laying off just under 200 employees at ABC News and its Disney Entertainment Networks division as the traditional TV industry faces ongoing economic challenges, according to a source familiar with the decision.
Impact on ABC News
ABC News will bear the brunt of the layoffs, representing about 6% of the division’s workforce. Among the major changes:
- The data-driven digital news brand FiveThirtyEight (538) will be shut down.
- Teams from Nightline and 20/20 will be consolidated.
- All three hours of Good Morning America will move under the same top producer, Simone Swink.
- ABC News is also merging its digital and social operations.
This marks the second round of job cuts at ABC News in less than a year. The division previously eliminated around 75 positions last fall.
Cuts at Disney Entertainment Networks
Disney’s entertainment networks, which include FX and Freeform, will see cuts in program planning and scheduling. The Wall Street Journal first reported these reductions.
The restructuring aligns with Disney’s broader strategy, as the company announced corporate job cuts last September as part of an effort to streamline operations.
Industry-Wide Challenges
Broadcast news divisions across the industry are struggling with the changing economics of TV. Many networks are consolidating operations with local TV stations, and the role of network news president has diminished compared to the heyday of television news.
ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, who took the helm last August, now faces the challenge of navigating the division through these structural changes.
The Future of Broadcast News
As Disney and other media giants adapt to evolving viewer habits and economic pressures, further restructuring may be on the horizon. The latest round of cuts signals a shift toward a leaner and more digitally focused news and entertainment landscape.
