News Summary
Disney is set to lay off around 200 employees amidst a major restructuring of its ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks. The closure of the renowned political polling site FiveThirtyEight will further eliminate 15 jobs. Programming changes include the consolidation of shows like 20/20 and Nightline into a single program, alongside reductions in staffing for other networks. The layoffs reflect a worrying trend in the media industry as companies strive to adapt in an increasingly competitive landscape, leaving both current employees and viewers concerned about the future.
Changes Ahead at Disney: Layoffs and Program Consolidations
Big news is making waves at Disney as the company prepares to lay off approximately 200 employees amid a significant restructuring of its ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks. This move comes as a surprise to many as it reflects the broader trends occurring throughout the media industry, where layoffs have become all too common.
Farewell to FiveThirtyEight
Among the heartbreaking news is the shuttering of FiveThirtyEight, the popular political polling and analysis website. Once a go-to source for everything from election forecasts to data-driven stories, it is set to close its virtual doors, signaling the end of an era for the platform that was particularly well-known for its predictions and analysis. As a result, an additional 15 employees will be let go.
Streamlining Programs
Disney is not just stopping at FiveThirtyEight. There will also be significant changes in the programming side of things. The beloved 20/20 and Nightline shows will be consolidated into a single program, which is sure to upset fans who enjoy the distinct styles of both. This consolidation will also lead to more jobs being eliminated.
In addition to that, the three-hour block of Good Morning America branded shows will see its production teams merged into one, further reducing the need for a larger workforce. These decisions are part of an effort to streamline operations amidst an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Impact on Disney Entertainment Networks
Staffing reductions aren’t limited to news programs; the decision extends to program scheduling and planning for other networks under Disney Entertainment, including popular channels like Freeform and FX. The overall layoffs account for just under 6% of the combined staff at ABC News and Disney Entertainment, emphasizing the high stakes involved.
What’s Next?
Disney leadership is expected to inform employees about these layoffs starting Wednesday, bringing uncertainty and anxiety to those impacted. With the workforce of FiveThirtyEight shrinking significantly over the past couple of years—from about 35 employees in 2023 to only 15 now—this closure marks a notable decline for a site that was previously at the forefront of political data analysis. The decline notably began after its founder departed when his contract expired two years ago.
Voices of Disappointment
The frustration surrounding the closure of FiveThirtyEight has resonated deeply among former staff members. Many feel that the talent and hard work put in by the remaining employees were undervalued. This sentiment highlights the emotional impact that such layoffs have, not just on those losing their jobs, but also on the larger community that has come to rely on the insights offered by the platform.
The Bigger Picture
These layoffs are a part of a troublesome trend in the media industry, where major players continue to announce staffing cutbacks. For instance, the recent layoffs at MSNBC including notable figures illustrate that this is not an isolated incident. It’s creating a domino effect that raises concerns about the future of news programming and the level of resources available for in-depth reporting.
As the restructuring unfolds at Disney, many will be watching closely to see how these changes shape the future of its news and entertainment offerings. The industry continues to adapt, but one has to wonder what all this means for the dedicated audiences of these programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News: TikTok Users Access App After Potential Ban
- The Guardian: FiveThirtyEight Shut Down
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- ABC News: Category News
- Wikipedia: Disney
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
