Paramount cuts US workforce to streamline operations
After closing down MTV News and reducing its US workforce by 25%, media giant Paramount Global has begun the second phase of its planned layoffs in the United States. The job cut will impact various divisions under its ownership. The brand owns well-known networks such as CBS, and Comedy Central.
In a memo addressed to the staff, Paramount's co-CEOs—George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins—explained that these measures are essential for the company's long-term success. “To ensure Paramount's continued success, we are implementing these actions, and after today, 90% of these reductions will be finalized," the memo stated, according to a report in Variety.
The job cut is aimed to streamline its operations ahead of its merger with Skydance Media. The job cuts include members working as editors, distribution, and show production in New York, Washington, and Los Angeles.
“We’re disappointed that CBS was unable to find a way to retain these highly skilled professionals in their operation,” said IBEW Director of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Robert Prunn. “IBEW members have been producing CBS broadcasts since before the invention of television, and these layoffs are a hard pill to swallow.”