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ABC News Undergoes Major Layoffs, GMA3 Hit Hardest
ABC News has announced significant layoffs impacting approximately 200 employees across the network and other Disney-owned entities. The cuts appear to be particularly deep at Good Morning America‘s third hour, GMA3, with sources describing the show as “entirely gutted.”
The atmosphere at ABC News is reportedly somber, with employees grappling with the news. While co-hosts Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan are reportedly safe, the layoffs follow a turbulent period for GMA3, including multiple rebrands, format changes, and the highly publicized departure of former co-hosts T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach.
ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, while confirming the network-wide restructuring. Among those departing is Catherine McKenzie, executive producer of GMA3.
Meanwhile, Seni Tienabeso has been promoted to Vice President, moving up from executive director of ABC News Live. The network is also consolidating management of 20/20, Nightline, and Impact x Nightline.
Changes are set to take effect May 10, with departing employees receiving 60 days’ salary plus one week of pay for each year of service. Some employees have expressed frustration with the severance packages, reportedly less generous than those offered in previous layoffs.
These cuts come at a time of declining viewership and industry-wide change in the television landscape. Other major networks, including CNN and NBC News, have also implemented layoffs recently as veteran journalists increasingly transition to digital platforms. An ABC insider summarized the network’s strategy as “doing more with less.”