EXCLUSIVE: NBCUniversal just lately went by way of two main modifications: the spinoff of a brand new standalone firm that can home cable networks reminiscent of E!, Syfy, Oxygen and USA Community and a restructure that noticed new roles for prime executives together with Pearlena Igbokwe and Frances Berwick.
Deadline understands that the Comcast-owned firm is now beginning a technique of layoffs tied to those strikes.
We’re listening to that a couple of dozen workers throughout NBCUniversal’s tv and streaming enterprise are being let go. Insiders inform Deadline that these cuts are extra “surgical” in comparison with earlier “sweeping” cuts. This covers NBC, cable networks, Peacock in addition to on the studio aspect, though is essentially centered on advertising and communications in addition to some extra junior people in sure areas of programming.
It was all the time anticipated that quite a few NBCUniversal executives who labored throughout a number of cable networks and streaming service Peacock, would depart with SpinCo looming. Deadline understands that individuals who have been shifting to SpinCo from NBCU have been knowledgeable earlier this week and these cuts at the moment are being made following that.
Earlier this 12 months, SpinCo named Val Boreland, who was EVP and Head of Content material Acquisitions, TV & Streaming for NBCUniversal, as its President of Leisure. These networks, which can nicely get their very own head of originals working for Boreland, don’t greenlight as many originals as NBC, Peacock or Bravo, that are all clearly remaining with NBCUniversal, however there are nonetheless loads of authentic collection throughout E!, Syfy and USA Community, specifically reminiscent of Home of Villains and Botched. Oxygen additionally orders a raft of true-crime content material reminiscent of Chilly Justice, produced by Dick Wolf, Lethal Waters with Captain Lee, and long-running collection Snapped.
Following a earlier restructure, lots of its prime execs purchased and developed programming throughout NBC, its cable networks and Peacock.
However the transfer in January by Donna Langley, Chairman, NBCUniversal Leisure in January to make Pearlena Igbokwe Chairman, Tv Studios, NBC Leisure and Peacock Scripted and Frances Berwick, Chairman, Bravo & Peacock Unscripted, cleared a few of this up. It additionally led to the departure of the likes of Peacock President Kelly Campbell and Corie Henson, who was EVP, Unscripted Content material, Competitors and Recreation Exhibits, NBCUniversal Leisure.
