5 sources·Business

Disney Announces Layoffs and Consolidation at ABC News Amid Industry Challenges

Disney cuts nearly 6% of staff at ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks, closing news brand 538 and merging several programs due to streaming competition.

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The cuts represent nearly 6% of the total ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks workforce.
Disney lays off nearly 200 employees with ABC News severely impacted
Fox Business·1M
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.
Other changes occurring amid the layoffs are the consolidation of ABC news magazine shows 20/20 and Nightline, and all three hours of Good Morning America will be consolidated under one person.
BREAKING: Disney to shutter ABC News polling site 538 amid layoffs
The Post Millennial·1M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.
While Disney attempts to cut costs as it competes with other streaming services in delivering an array of content to users, the company did report a 44% jump in adjusted per-share earnings of $1.76 for the October-December quarter, according to Reuters.
Disney announces layoffs at ABC News, says polling site 538 is shutting down
USA TODAY·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The layoffs are expected to impact 200 employees which represents under 6 percent of the staff at the company and Disney Entertainment Networks unit.
ABC News eliminating 538 amid layoffs
The Hill·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
ABC News and Walt Disney Co. entertainment networks are being hit with a 6% reduction in staff amid shrinking ratings and revenues for traditional television.
Layoffs hit ABC News and Disney's entertainment TV channels
Los Angeles Times·1M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Updated: Mar 5th, 2025, 5:09 PM ET

Summary

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Disney is laying off approximately 200 employees, or nearly 6% of its ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks workforce, primarily impacting ABC News in New York. The layoffs include shutting down the polling website 538 and merging programs like ‘20/20’ and ‘Nightline’ under new consolidated leadership. This decision comes as ABC News responds to declining traditional TV ratings and revenues, following previous job cuts last fall. The company aims to streamline operations and is investing in its streaming service, ABC News Live, to attract younger audiences.

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