Paramount Initiates Major Layoffs Following Merger with Skydance
Paramount has recently announced its first significant round of layoffs after merging with Skydance. The David Ellison regime has made cuts across its television divisions, particularly impacting the linear broadcast and cable networks. Departments such as marketing, communications/PR, business affairs, and programming have all seen significant reductions in personnel.
Executives Affected by the Layoffs
Variety has confirmed that several high-level executives have been impacted by the layoffs. Teri Fleming, the executive vice president and head of marketing for Paramount Global Content Distribution, is among those affected. Additionally, executives from CBS Entertainment, such as Pamela Soper and Amanda Palley, both senior vice presidents of current programming, have been let go.
In the communications/PR department, several executives from CBS’ New York team and CBS Media Ventures have been laid off. Notable names include Leslie Ryan, senior vice president of communications at CBS Media Ventures, and Jennifer Weingroff, senior vice president of communications at Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Impact on Streaming Services
Within the streaming division, executives such as Jeff Grossman, executive vice president of programming at Paramount+, and Patricia Kollappallil, senior vice president of corporate communications at the streamer, have also been affected by the layoffs.
Layoffs at Cable Networks
The cable networks under Paramount, including MTV and CMT, have seen a range of layoffs within their communications and talent teams. Executives like Wendy Plaut, senior vice president and head of music & celebrity talent at MTV, and Margaret Comeaux, senior vice president of music events and production at CMT, are among those who have been let go.
Continued Restructuring at Paramount
As Paramount continues to streamline its operations, more layoffs are expected in the coming weeks, particularly in international operations. The recent round of layoffs has affected around 1,000 employees, with another round of layoffs expected to follow.
Response from Paramount Skydance CEO
Paramount Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison addressed the layoffs in a memo to staff, acknowledging the need to address redundancies and realign roles with the company’s evolving priorities. He emphasized that these steps are necessary to position Paramount for long-term success.
Future Plans and Organizational Changes
As the company navigates through these changes, new organizational structures are expected to be implemented in both linear and streaming TV operations. The remaining staff will be reallocated accordingly to ensure the company’s growth and success in the future.
Overall, the layoffs at Paramount following the merger with Skydance signify a significant shift in the company’s operations and priorities. As the industry continues to evolve, Paramount is taking necessary steps to adapt and thrive in a competitive market.
