ABC News Completes Cuts; 350-400 Jobs Slashed

[The Straight Story]

ABC News Completes Cuts; 350-400 Jobs Slashed

The process of cutting up to 25% of the jobs at ABC News is all but complete.

Twenty two ABC News employees were laid off in a round of involuntary cuts yesterday. Those layoffs came after more than 300 staffers, many more than had been anticipated, agreed to take a voluntary buyout. In February, ABC News president David Westin announced a massive reorganization which meant staff cuts between 300-400. The actual number, between 350-400, is right in line with that expectation. In addition, TVNewser has learned, 39 staffers were promoted to positions being vacated by those taking a buyout.

In a note to staff today, obtained by TVNewser, Westin writes, "We have much yet to do as we move to make full use of what new technology makes possible and we implement fully the structural and organizational changes that we've begun throughout the division. The full extent of these changes will be realized over the summer and into the fall."

The cuts come from across the network and from around the world. In bureaus and from broadcast shows and from every platform as well as the businesses that support the news division.

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/abc/abc_news_completes_cuts_350400_jobs_slashed_159866.asp