Disney has made a significant move in restructuring its media divisions, cutting jobs at ABC News and shutting down the well-known political polling website 538. These layoffs affect less than 200 employees, which represents under 6% of the workforce across ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks.
ABC News Layoffs: What’s Changing?
On Wednesday, affected employees were notified about their termination. The majority of those impacted work at ABC News, with many based in New York. Disney’s decision is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
End of 538 and Program Mergers at ABC News
As part of this overhaul, Disney is discontinuing 538, a brand recognized for its political analysis and polling. Additionally, three major ABC News programs—20/20, Nightline, and Impact x Nightline—will be merged into a single unit to optimize production.
Good Morning America Production Shift
Changes are also coming to Good Morning America (GMA). Previously, the show’s third hour had a separate production team, but going forward, all three hours will be managed under one leadership structure. Disney has appointed Simone Swink, a longtime GMA producer, to oversee the entire show.
Disney’s Strategy to Reduce Impact
Despite the layoffs, Disney has stated that it is working to minimize job losses and enhance operational efficiency. The restructuring at this is part of the company’s long-term plan to adapt to changing media landscapes while maintaining high-quality journalism.
With these shifts, Disney is taking strategic steps to refine its media operations and ensure sustainability in an evolving industry.
