Paramount begins laying off 15% of work force, hundreds expected to be cut

Aug 13, 2024

Paramount has begun laying off a significant portion of its workforce, with hundreds of employees expected to be cut in the coming weeks.

A memo signed by co-CEOs Chris McCarthy, Brian Robbins, and George Cheeks was leaked to entertainment outlets on Tuesday, including Deadline, in which the chief executives braced employees for the cuts.

“This process will take place in three phases, starting today and continuing through the end of the year,” the memo reads. “We expect 90% of these actions to be complete by the end of September.”

PARAMOUNT GLOBAL TO LAY OFF 15% OF ITS US WORKFORCE

“We know that having to part ways with teammates whose contributions have been instrumental to our success is incredibly hard. In partnership with our HR leaders, we are committed to providing support to employees transitioning on from Paramount and to our teams who will need to adapt to these changes.”

The media company disclosed its plans for the layoffs as it released its second-quarter financial results earlier this month.

“The industry continues to evolve, and Paramount is at an inflection point where changes must be made to strengthen our business. And while these actions are often difficult, we are confident in our direction forward.”

PARAMOUNT AGREES TO MERGER WITH SKYDANCE

“We understand that you may have questions about next steps, and while we may not be able to provide all the answers at this time, we will continue to update you on our progress.”

Paramount Global linked the upcoming headcount reduction to a “strategic plan” that involves streamlining its organization.

In addition to streamlining its organization, Paramount Global has identified transforming its direct-to-consumer streaming business and optimizing its asset mix as key parts of its strategic plan.

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During the earnings call, the company said it will see a roughly $300-$400 million restructuring charge in the third-quarter in connection to the job cuts. 

The “cash impact” of the cuts “will occur over the next several quarters,” according to CFO Naveen Chopra.

Paramount Global generated $6.81 billion in total revenue during the second quarter, down 11% year over year. 

Paramount Global did not respond to Fox Business’s request for comment. 

Fox Business’s Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.

​Paramount has begun laying off approximately 15% of its workforce in the United States, expecting to cut several hundred employees in the coming weeks.   

Paramount has begun laying off a significant portion of its workforce, with hundreds of employees expected to be cut in the coming weeks.

A memo signed by co-CEOs Chris McCarthy, Brian Robbins, and George Cheeks was leaked to entertainment outlets on Tuesday, including Deadline, in which the chief executives braced employees for the cuts.

“This process will take place in three phases, starting today and continuing through the end of the year,” the memo reads. “We expect 90% of these actions to be complete by the end of September.”

PARAMOUNT GLOBAL TO LAY OFF 15% OF ITS US WORKFORCE

The Paramount logo is displayed at Columbia Square along Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, California. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“We know that having to part ways with teammates whose contributions have been instrumental to our success is incredibly hard. In partnership with our HR leaders, we are committed to providing support to employees transitioning on from Paramount and to our teams who will need to adapt to these changes.”

The media company disclosed its plans for the layoffs as it released its second-quarter financial results earlier this month.

“The industry continues to evolve, and Paramount is at an inflection point where changes must be made to strengthen our business. And while these actions are often difficult, we are confident in our direction forward.”

PARAMOUNT AGREES TO MERGER WITH SKYDANCE

“We understand that you may have questions about next steps, and while we may not be able to provide all the answers at this time, we will continue to update you on our progress.”

Paramount Global linked the upcoming headcount reduction to a “strategic plan” that involves streamlining its organization.

In addition to streamlining its organization, Paramount Global has identified transforming its direct-to-consumer streaming business and optimizing its asset mix as key parts of its strategic plan.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Paramount Pictures studio lot at 5555 Melrose Ave. on Wednesday in Hollywood, California. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

During the earnings call, the company said it will see a roughly $300-$400 million restructuring charge in the third-quarter in connection to the job cuts. 

The “cash impact” of the cuts “will occur over the next several quarters,” according to CFO Naveen Chopra.

Paramount Global generated $6.81 billion in total revenue during the second quarter, down 11% year over year. 

Paramount Global did not respond to Fox Business’s request for comment. 

Fox Business’s Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.

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