New York, New York – ABC News employees in New York City are facing layoffs as the network undergoes a significant restructuring process. The parent company Disney is reportedly planning to cut around 200 positions within its ABC News Group division and Disney Entertainment Networks unit, representing approximately 6% of the combined staff from the two divisions.
The changes come as ABC News announced the merger of popular programs like “20/20” and “Nightline,” as well as the consolidation of production for “Good Morning America” segments. This move reflects the network’s efforts to streamline operations and adapt to the evolving media landscape.
ABC News President, Almin Karamehmedovic, communicated these changes to employees in a memo, acknowledging the challenging decisions that come with restructuring. The goal, as outlined in the memo, is to reposition the network as a leading news organization while ensuring it remains competitive in the industry.
Among the casualties of the layoffs is the data news site FiveThirtyEight, founded by Nate Silver, which gained recognition for its accurate predictions during the 2008 and 2012 elections. The site, along with its 15 employees, will be impacted by the cost-cutting measures.
In addition to staff reductions, ABC News is also planning to consolidate its morning show “Good Morning America” with its third hour, “GMA3,” into a single production unit. This move aims to create a more efficient and cohesive production process for the network’s flagship morning program.
The restructuring at ABC News is part of broader industry-wide changes as media companies navigate the shift from traditional television to digital platforms. Disney, the parent company of ABC News, is reallocating resources to focus more on digital and streaming services, reflecting the changing habits of media consumers.
The uncertainty surrounding ABC News’ future direction and potential staff reductions have created unease within the organization. The network has been exploring ways to streamline operations and enhance its digital transformation, with a particular focus on improving the performance of “Good Morning America” to compete with other morning shows.
As the layoffs continue and the network undergoes internal restructuring, ABC News employees are bracing themselves for the impact of these changes. The shifting media landscape requires companies like ABC News to adapt and evolve to meet the demands of modern audiences, positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing industry.