NBC News recently announced the layoffs affecting about 150 employees. That’s about 7% of its workforce. What has drawn the most attention is the people who were affected by the cuts. Those particularly dedicated to covering Black, Latino, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities were released.
According to TheWrap, the cuts mean that the verticals will remain online, but without dedicated teams for NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino, and NBC OUT their stories will be integrated into the broader newsroom. On Wednesday morning during a staff meeting the cuts were announced by NBC News’ executive vice president of editorial, Catherine Kim.
NBC leadership called the decision “difficult” but necessary, citing budget constraints, the need to streamline operations, shifting media consumption, and revenue models. The layoffs were part of a larger restructuring effort tied to Comcast’s corporate changes, including the upcoming spin-off of Comcast’s cable networks (MSNBC, CNBC) into a new company called Versant.
Some employees affected by the cuts were encouraged to apply for other roles that are being created or remain open inside NBCUniversal.
