ABC News is reportedly laying off some staffers as its parent company Walt Disney begins to restructure amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Variety cited a source familiar with the situation and a memo from ABC News President James Goldston regarding the layoffs. A low number of people within the news division were laid off, according to Variety. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Employees Sound Off After Cuts At Vox Media)
Goldston continued on to note that the “decisions are never made lightly” and praised those the people the company is laying off.
4. This note was sent to ABC News employees by ABC News President James Goldston. pic.twitter.com/85WBz8cMnX
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) December 4, 2020
“We’re parting ways with people we have worked with and who have made so many important contributions to ABC News,” Goldston reportedly said. “I’m deeply thankful for their years of service and tireless dedication to help our audience better understand the world. I’m working with our HR teams and managers to do everything we can to support them through this transition. Both I and all of our leaders are here to help and to answer any questions that you may have in the coming days.”
Disney is seeing cuts overall under Peter Rice, its general entertainment content chairman. Radio Disney announced Thursday that operations for that branch will shut down beginning next year, Variety reported.
Multiple news companies have laid off employees throughout the year due to COVID-19.