The Disney-ABC Television Group today laid off several hundred people, citing the weakening economy. Group President Anne Sweeney sent an e-mail to the approximately 7,000 television group employees, saying that after months of trying to adjust the business to the worsening economic climate, "we're now faced with the harsh reality of having to eliminate jobs in some areas."
"This was not an easy decision, nor one made lightly," Sweeney wrote. "The people affected today are our friends and colleagues, and we are doing all we can for them and their families."
The announcement comes a day after ESPN Chief Executive George Bodenheimer said he would cut 200 jobs within the year, mostly from unfilled positions. Sports broadcasters have been particularly vulnerable to decisions by struggling automakers to cut spending on advertising. It also comes a week after ABC's move to consolidate its network and television program production divisions into a single entity.
More layoffs are anticipated in the coming months, as ABC Entertainment Group President Stephen McPherson evaluates staffing at the newly consolidated studio and network operation.
"I realize this is an extremely difficult day for everyone in our group," Sweeney wrote. "But despite the challenges before us, I remain confident and optimistic about our future, because you really are the best in the business."
-- Dawn C. Chmielewski
Photo: ABC headquarters in Burbank. Credit: RMA Photography Inc.
Watch this space for thoughts on Dwight and Tigh
Just a heads up: I am heading out of town for the weekend, but I will have two offerings for you in the next few days.
Late Friday, if all goes as planned, I'll post a QA& with Mark Verheiden, the writer of "The Oath," this week's episode of "Battlestar Galactica." The plan is to post that interview as well as a few thoughts from me after the episode airs.
I'll be out of town but I should have a laptop with me. Let's hope that this time, technology is our friend, and that I have access to working WiFi this weekend.
On Sunday night, after the Super Bowl, I'll post a review of "Stress Relief," the episode of "The Office" that airs after the game.
I've seen both episodes, and I'll just say, for comedy, you can't beat "Stress Relief." I think it's a classic "Office" episode.
On the other end of the spectrum, "The Oath" is as dramatic an hour of television as you could possibly want.
Let's meet back here over the weekend, OK?
DNA calls out Jomino
Award winning rapper DNA is hitting out at his former recording stable Jomino. "I have no affiliation, at all, at all, with those guys," a furious DNA told Pulse, reacting to a statement by the Jomino producers that he was still their Â'boyÂ'. "I left them completely. In fact, I am now working a song with Ulopa."
Bill Paxton Brings A Whole Lotta 'Love' To HBO
Bill Paxton plays Bill Henrickson, the head of a polygamous family in the HBO series Big Love. He received Golden Globe nominations for his work on the show in 2007 and 2008.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
EUROPE: Funnily, Bulgaria Is Not a Turkish Toilet
BUCHAREST, Jan 17 (IPS) - A work of art exhibited this week in Brussels has turned out to be an unusual test for whether some Europeans are able to laugh at themselves. Just as the artist intended.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar