SRMED
Englishعربي
Englishعربي
Disney has launched its first round of layoffs under new CEO Josh D'Amaro, affecting employees across multiple divisions including marketing, ESPN, TV, film, and corporate teams, with approximately 1,000 jobs targeted in total. The cuts, which began on Tuesday, follow the earlier unification of Disney's enterprise marketing and brand teams and come amid broader cost-saving efforts in the media industry. According to a memo from ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro to staff, these changes are part of the company's strategy to streamline operations under the new leadership.
Pitaro directly addressed ESPN employees in his internal memo, acknowledging the impact of the layoffs while emphasizing the network's ongoing strength. As reported by Business Insider, the memo arrives as the first such action since D'Amaro replaced Bob Iger last month, signaling a shift in how Disney manages its workforce amid economic pressures facing entertainment giants.
D'Amaro himself communicated with staff in a separate memo, recognizing the departing employees' contributions and stressing that the decisions do not reflect on their performance or the company's overall health. He noted that those affected have "done meaningful work here and care deeply about this company," framing the layoffs as necessary adjustments rather than indictments of individual efforts.
Laid-off workers are receiving severance packages tailored to their rank and tenure, as outlined in Disney's employee handbook. Non-managers with less than five years get four weeks of pay, while those with more receive one week per year up to 52 weeks. Managers fare slightly better with six weeks for short tenures or four weeks plus one per year for longer stays. Directors and vice presidents see even more generous terms, up to 26 weeks base for VPs with under five years, or 18 weeks plus two per year capped at 52 weeks. This structure differs from recent packages offered by other media companies, providing a financial cushion during the transition.
The layoffs particularly hit marketing teams following their recent consolidation, but ESPN and other key areas like TV and film are also involved, underscoring the company-wide scope. Employees in creative and operational roles now face uncertainty, with many weighing severance options against job searches in a competitive market.
Looking ahead, Disney's moves reflect ongoing industry trends toward efficiency, as seen with similar cuts at companies like Snap Inc. The severance details offer immediate relief, but the broader implications include potential shifts in content production and talent retention across Disney's vast portfolio, including ESPN's sports broadcasting dominance. Staff remaining with the company will likely see adjusted workflows as teams reorganize in the coming weeks.