MTV Lays off 75
June 24, 2009
Patricia Marroquin--HispanicBusiness.com
MTV Networks laid off 75 staff members Tuesday, Broadcasting & Cable reported.
The layoffs, according to B&C, were primarily of mid-level executives in the program development department, digital division, and scheduling at MTV Networks' music and logo group, which includes such channels as MTV, VH1 and Logo.
A spokeswoman told the Web site: "We have been taking a look at our business and how to position ourselves for future growth. It's pretty much the economy." She said the job losses amounted to less than 1 percent of MTV Networks' labor force.
The cuts come in the wake of the announced departure of MTV Networks veteran programming executive Brian Graden, who last week said he will leave at the end of this year.
About 6 months ago, MTV Networks' parent, Viacom, slashed 850 staffers, many of whom came from MTV.
MTV Networks, which includes the successful Comedy Central cable channel, has had problems in recent years with MTV. The cable channel is still popular in the teen market, but there has been a 20 percent drop in ratings in April and May among young adults. This audience segment once sought out the channel for music videos but now tunes in to reality shows such as "The City."
Source: HispanicBusiness.com (c) 2009. All rights reserved.
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