The ABC network has eliminated 15 to 20 management positions in its broadcast operations and engineering department.
“The ABC Television Network has eliminated the jobs of certain managers in the network’s operations and engineering division in New York, Los Angeles and Washington,” ABC said in a statement. “These positions were eliminated due to the increased efficiencies of advanced technology recently put in place at the network.”
Preston Davis, president of ABC’s broadcast operations and engineering, addressed the layoffs in a memo to staffers on Wednesday. “We all know that Disney/ABC is a great leader and innovator in the television business. However, in today’s market, we are challenged with staying on top of an ever-changing media landscape where there is competition and almost daily advances in technology. To meet these challenges, we must adopt and embrace change so that we can deliver the best results to our clients.”
ABC has commissioned an efficiency study of engineering operations by IBM. However, Davis left the door open for more layoffs when he said he had yet to review the results of that study and “will share the findings and recommendations with all of you” when it is ready.
