ABC News layoffs include national correspondents, ‘The View’ lead producer

The layoff that hit ABC News this week hit correspondents Marci Gonzelez, Clayton Sandell and Kyra Phillips, as well as executive producers Jeanmarie Condon, David Reiter and John Green, according to an individual with knowledge of the network.

Additionally, Hilary Estey McLaughlin, who oversaw daytime programs like “The View,” was among those awarded the pink slip. Other affected included correspondents, executive producers and other executives who oversaw functions such as special events and news gathering.

A spokesperson did not comment on the layoffs – which affected a percentage of the news division’s 1,300 employees in low single-digit figures – or potential severance pay.

Also read: ABC News hit with layoffs over Disney cuts

“Unfortunately, as we position ABC News for the future, we have made the difficult decision to downsize our workforce in a few areas,” ABC News President James Goldston said in a memo to staff Thursday. . “As difficult as this moment is for our colleagues, it is necessary as we adapt to changes in our business and the organization of the company by consolidating certain functions and moving people to roles essential to our long-term growth. term.

Earlier Thursday, Disney announced the shutdown of Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country as part of ongoing corporate restructuring. The 36 full-time and part-time employees affected were notified on Thursday and will all be laid off in February 2021.

“The difficult decision to shut down these two radio networks coincided with the structural changes recently announced by Disney which call on Disney Branded Television to focus more on increasing the production of children’s and family content for Disney + and Disney. Channels ”, indicates a press release from the company. “Division heads also took into account the rapidly changing media environment which offers more personalized music choices than ever before to a generation of young consumers, and the continuing public health crisis that continues to affect music events. in person.”

Disney last month announced plans to lay off 32,000 employees – mostly from its theme parks division – in the first half of 2021.