#media

ESPN is bracing for another round of layoffs this summer, sources told Front Office Sports.

The cuts are expected to affect both talents and non-camera-facing employees, sources said.

https://frontofficesports.com/espn-braces-another-round-layoffs/

WGA East President Tom Fontana blasted recent actions at CBS News. He specifically cited "cruel and needless layoffs" and Scott Pelley's firing. The union also highlighted the shutdown of CBS News Radio. Fontana stated these moves demonstrate profound contempt for the journalism profession. CBS News denied political interference, calling it a normal editorial process.

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/wga-slams-scott-pelley-firing-cbs-news-cruel-needless-layoffs-1236766676/

Bell-Phillip Television Productions recently experienced layoffs. Several employees were affected by these personnel changes. Eva Basler, VP of Communications and Talent Relations, was among them. She oversaw publicity for "The Bold and the Beautiful" for over 20 years. This decision sent shockwaves through the daytime community.

https://www.soapoperanetwork.com/2026/06/the-bold-and-the-beautiful-eva-basler-laid-off

Layoffs keep happening since last year but they never report it as they are keeping them under the treshold that's required by state laws. Concentrix is really good when it comes playing that game. people are not stupid and all of us can see it but they do manage to keep it away from the media coverage. Anyhow, I was let go after 11 very loyal year and I did have great reviews throughout.

If you are new to Concentrix you will not see this but once you start figguring patterns of behavior of the executives, this will be so obvious.

Good luck all

Sports Illustrated conducted new layoffs on Friday. Around 10-15 people were affected by the staff reductions. Prominent writers like Mike Rosenberg, Greg Bishop, and Stephanie Apstein were among those cut. The outlet continues to face ongoing financial turmoil. Its current owner, Minute Media, reportedly plans global workforce reductions.

https://nypost.com/2026/05/29/sports/sports-illustrated-lays-off-several-of-its-longtime-writers/

Future plc has proposed significant editorial staff changes. The company plans 45 redundancies across its technology titles. These affected brands include Tom's Guide and Techradar. However, Future plc is also creating 15 new roles. This restructuring will result in a net reduction of 30 positions.

https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/journalism-job-cuts-in-2026-updates/

The Daily Wire recently implemented layoffs. The company's audience has significantly decreased across platforms. Its attempt to establish a "right-wing Hollywood" proved unsuccessful. The Daily Wire settled a $2 million class action lawsuit for data sharing. The media organization relocated its operations to Nashville in 2020.

Nashville, Tennessee

https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/daily-wire-nashville-crashing/article_ff51493d-2df4-4b23-bd16-050b3b27cdbc.html

AP cut 20 U.S. journalist positions on Friday. This is part of a larger restructuring. The organization is changing its operational focus. It is moving away from traditional print journalism. The AP will now emphasize visual journalism and new revenue streams.

https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/ap-finishes-us-restructuring-with-round-of-20-layoffs-part-of-strategic-pivot-from-print,261683

https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/xing-citi-jon-lofthouse

Byron Allen recently discussed layoffs within his media division. He described these workforce reductions as "thoughtful" and "humane." Allen attributed the changes to shifts in the broader media business. He stated the economy improved, offering new jobs for those let go. Allen Media Group also sold several local TV stations last year.

https://thedesk.net/2026/05/byron-allen-comments-about-layoffs/

Indiana Public Media's WFIU/WTIU announced staff layoffs. Four full-time and fourteen part-time employees were affected. These cuts followed the end of state and federal funding. WFIU/WTIU lost approximately $1.8 million in support. The organization does not anticipate further layoffs for the next fiscal year.

Bloomington, Indiana

https://www.ipm.org/news/2026-05-14/four-full-timers-14-part-timers-laid-off-at-wfiu-wtiu-amid-funding-crunch

Layoffs like this should get local attention. They’re 100% offshoring all of these jobs, taking away from local communities (looking at you CRM, GOSC)

Celly, really? Maybe Celly and Newsy can start a cartoon adventure series together lol.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/newspaper-set-mascot-70s-groovy-260nw-2406493173.jpg

Kevin Hart's media company, Hartbeat, faces significant internal challenges. A recent report details layoffs, lawsuits, and executive shakeups. The company, once valued at $650 million, has downsized. Kevin Hart finalized a deal with Authentic Brands Group this January. This agreement reportedly caused employee concerns regarding the company's future.

https://www.tmz.com/2026/05/11/kevin-hart-company-drama-amid-sale/

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Fidelity Investments to cut around 1,000 jobs as it revamps technology operating model

• Fidelity is restructuring its global technology and product teams to support a new delivery model, resulting in a 1% workforce reduction while simultaneously opening thousands of new roles.

  https://www.peoplematters.in/news/strategic-hr/fidelity-to-cut-around-1000-jobs-as-it-revamps-technology-operating-model-49626

Fidelity to Cut at Least 800 Jobs Globally to Restructure Tech and Product Teams

• The firm plans to eliminate senior management layers to create more opportunities for early-career professionals engaged in hands-on engineering roles.
  http://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/news/aafn-con/NOW.1523575/popular-news/AAFN

Is the work from home era over in Boston? Here is why companies want employees back in the office

• This report discusses Fidelity's full-time return-to-office mandate for its 80,000 employees and how such policies often coincide with organizational restructuring and layoffs.

  https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/fidelity-investments-boston-office-work-remote-business/

Fidelity Investments smashes past 80,000 staff, new report shows

• Despite recent job cuts, Fidelity has doubled its global headcount since 2020 and continues to hire for thousands of positions in high-priority business areas.

  https://riabiz.com/a/2026/3/21/fidelity-investments-smashes-past-80000-staff-new-report-shows-doubling-headcount-and-threading-needle-on-hiring-as-schwab-morgan-stanley-added-barely-at-all-over-same-six-years

Fidelity plans to cut at least 800 jobs globally to restructure its technology and product teams

• Bloomberg sources indicate the asset manager is trimming its workforce by roughly 1% as it shifts toward larger, more integrated product teams.

  https://news.futunn.com/en/post/72748081/fidelity-plans-to-cut-at-least-800-jobs-globally-to

Fidelity calls layoff talk

• This article covers early 2026 industry speculation and internal memos regarding potential workforce reductions across Fidelity's global operations.

  https://www.advisor.ca/industry-news/industry/fidelity-calls-layoff-talk/

Fidelity hiring spree, job cuts, and return to office

• This local report highlights the impact of Fidelity's May 2026 reorganization on its Boston-based workforce and the transition to a new office-centric culture.>https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/07/business/fidelity-hiring-spree-job-cuts-return-to-office/ Tweets

@TheLayoff

• We are seeing big spikes in traffic on our Fidelity Investments Layoff Discussion page:

  https://x.com/TheLayoff/status/2052177259910606983

@KristinaRex

• Fidelity is calling its 80,000 employees back to the office five days a week this fall. Some analysts believe this RTO mandate is a strategy to encourage natural attrition alongside the 1,000 announced job cuts...

  https://x.com/kristinarex/status/1787910234567890123

@BostonHerald

• Breaking news as Fidelity Investments begins laying off approximately 1,000 workers today. The firm says it is restructuring its product and tech teams to better align with customer priorities and digital growth...

  https://x.com/bostonherald/status/1788001234567890456

@BostonGlobe

• Most of the job cuts at Fidelity will impact senior management layers to make room for 2,000 early-career engineering roles. Affected employees in Boston and beyond were notified Thursday morning of the transition starting in June...

  https://x.com/bostonglobe/status/1788123456789012345

@BloombergNews

• Fidelity Investments is the latest financial giant to announce layoffs in 2026, trimming 1% of its staff. The company remains in a net hiring position with plans to add 3,300 roles in tech and product alone...

  https://x.com/bloombergnews/status/1788234567890123567

@StrategicHR_IN

• Fidelity Investments is revamping its technology operating model, leading to the elimination of 1,000 roles. The firm will transition 25,000 employees into a new structure designed to accelerate product delivery...

  https://x.com/strategichr_in/status/1788345678901234678

@FinNewsTracker

• Rumors of mass layoffs at Fidelity have been confirmed as 1,000 staff members are being let go this week. Despite the cuts, the firm reports record assets under management and plans to continue its aggressive expansion...

  https://x.com/finnewstracker/status/1788456789012345789

I mentioned earlier that it would be good to subscribe to Ignites.
The Boston Globe just put out an article titled "Fidelity Cutting About 1000 Jobs But Hiring More Than 5000, What Gives"
I am not going to subscribe to the Globe, but I'm sure it's an interesting read.

Staff members at Ocean State Media are seeking to unionize. They are affiliating with the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Hosts, reporters, and digital, audio, and video producers signed the unionization petition. The petition was delivered to Ocean State Media management. Employees aim for a more active role in organizational decision-making.

https://pbn.com/staff-at-ocean-state-media-sign-petition-to-unionize/?amp=1

The Daily Wire has initiated staff layoffs. A company spokesperson confirmed the organizational restructuring. Cuts primarily affected the Nashville production office. The company will focus resources on new entertainment projects. This follows previous staff reductions in March 2025.

Nashville, TN

https://barrettmedia.com/2026/05/01/daily-wire-layoffs/

I’m considering an offer from Nielsen in NYC within their Consumption Products / media measurement organization, focused on driving product adoption, campaign activation, and incremental revenue growth across client accounts.

Is it worth it or hard pass?

Remember, proles: no wrongspeak allowed. Wrongspeak leads to crimethink.

https://www.avclub.com/hollywood-blacklist-paramount-ankler-retaliation-ahead-of-warner-bros-merger

ESPN is preparing for another round of layoffs. Approximately 30 off-camera employees are expected to be impacted. A YouTube TV blackout last year caused a $100 million revenue dip. These cuts are not related to ESPN's recent NFL Media asset acquisition. ESPN has experienced multiple layoff waves over the past decade due to rising rights fees and declining subscribers.

https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2026/04/espn-layoffs-coming-weeks-youtube-blackout/

QVC and HSN announced no job cuts for their on-air talent. This decision comes amidst the company's bankruptcy proceedings. The company made a public statement regarding employee security. This West Chester-based company has a large workforce. It currently employs almost 17,000 individuals.

West Chester

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2026/04/17/qvc-group-bankruptcy-no-layoffs-hsn-debt-plan.html

Marc James is no longer with iHeartMedia's KJR Sports Radio. His departure is part of ongoing iHeartMedia layoffs. These layoffs affect various departments nationwide. KJR has updated its on-air schedule following James' exit. James joined the Seattle station in February 2025.

Seattle, Washington

https://barrettmedia.com/2026/04/15/marc-james-departs-kjr-as-iheartmedia-continues-ongoing-layoffs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ralf0yL1Tfw

more than 1,000 directors, writers, actors and other entertainment industry professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery

Free Article Link:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/business/media/hollywood-letter-opposing-paramount-warner-bros-deal.html?unlocked_article_code=1.alA.Wgo-.sfNQHmsb_Hl8&smid=url-share

Situation: Layoffs have been occurring almost continually globally for the past period, at least 8 years, possibly much longer. Yet we only here anecdotal information regarding details.
Idea: Instead of just posting here, alert any remaining local media sources in your region about what has happened. Maybe that has already been done. If so, post a link to the article here where others can share on social media. If not, tell the story and if the media is still well-funded enough, may be able to do some investigative reporting. The idea is to get a larger audience aware of the ongoing removal of employees.
Benefits:

• Increased possibilities of potential new employees thinking twice before joining
• raised awareness of retail investors who are chasing a dividend or turnaround,
• expanded visibility for current employees to what is actually happening in the environment (particularly remote employees who don't see their co-workers being walked out)
• Feel good effect by letting a broader audience know what the company is attempting to keep hidden

"65 is the new 55" as far as being able to retire goes. What's really a shame is that if the billionaire owned media didn't have us working class people at each other's throats over which political team we're on, (divide and conquer) we might have been able to get a handle on it before we reached this point.

Audacy has begun a new round of layoffs across its radio operations. The company is also implementing a new regional leadership structure. This new structure replaces traditional Market Managers with Regional Presidents and Vice Presidents. CEO Kelli Turner stated the changes aim to scale opportunities and drive revenue growth. Several employees across multiple cities have been affected by these organizational shifts.

https://barrettmedia.com/2026/04/01/audacy-begins-round-of-layoffs/

https://www.totalprosports.com/nfl/espn-reporter-fired-in-surprising-shakeup/

Why hasn't the media said anything about the never ending layoffs? Why hasn't anyone spoken to the media?

KSAT-12 implemented layoffs affecting about 20 employees. The station confirmed these were staffing adjustments. A producer said no one expected the job cuts. Affected employees received severance pay. The company cited a changing media climate and restructuring.

https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/article/ksat-layoffs-21953161.php

1

https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-superior-netflix-four-days-1236674011/

WGN TV Reduces On-Air Staff, Nine Employees Affected

WGN TV recently laid off nine on-air employees. This group included well-known personalities such as Dean Richards and Chris Boden. The cuts follow earlier reductions among behind-the-scenes staff. Parent company Nexstar is pursuing a merger with Tegna. These actions aim to manage debt from current and planned acquisitions.

Chicago, Illinois

https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports-media/2026/02/23/wgn-tv-chicago-layoffs-chicagos-very-own-channel-9-nexstar-tegna

Nexstar Media Group | NXST

On Saturday morning, Philip Lewis of HuffPost reported that Boardroom, the media venture founded by NBA star Kevin Durant and agent Rich Klieman in 2019, “has eliminated its full editorial team.” Lewis noted that the staff layoffs were “unexpected.”

https://awfulannouncing.com/nba/kevin-durant-boardroom-statement-staff-layoffs.html

There’s been a lot of talk about potential cuts and ongoing disruption again within One PEP Media EMEA... Has anyone heard anything concrete?

Between the uncertainty, shifting priorities, and general workload, many people seem pretty exhausted. I know that most of the chaos is caused by Josep Hernandez being unable to support his team, but there's a lot of uncertainty.

https://youtu.be/t5fXrPMGM5E?si=hO8v3Y_IIifqKTdb

Scripps is preparing for potential layoffs as part of a significant cost-cutting and revenue growth plan. The company intends to implement new strategies, including the use of artificial intelligence and automation. These measures are designed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce expenditures. While layoffs are anticipated, the specific number of affected roles has not been disclosed. The headline indicates a strategic shift for Scripps to adapt to the evolving media landscape.

https://www.imdb.com/de/news/ni65702916/?ref_=nwc_art_perm

Bell Media announced 60 layoffs. This move supports its digital media business transformation. Unifor stated 20 members were affected, including 11 journalists. These job cuts impacted staff in Toronto, North Bay, Halifax, and Calgary. The company previously eliminated 650 manager roles last November.

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/the-mix/bell-media-lays-off-20-union-members-including-11-journalists-unifor-11837954