In a significant restructuring, NBC News announced on Wednesday that it is eliminating its dedicated diversity teams, including NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino, and NBC OUT. This move comes as part of a larger wave of layoffs affecting 150 staffers, marking the second round of job cuts at the company this year.
Impact on Diversity Coverage
These newly disbanded teams were instrumental in providing dedicated coverage for Black, Latino, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities. While the dedicated verticals are being dissolved, NBC News stated that stories will still be published to these specific groups. The company may retain up to five staffers in the newsroom to contribute to this coverage.
The cuts represent seven percent of NBC News operations and two percent of the NBCU News Group workforce. This decision comes amidst broader industry challenges and the ongoing separation of MSNBC from NBC News.
Support for Impacted Employees
NBC News has stated that it will support the 150 employees affected by these layoffs. Impacted staffers will receive a severance package, outplacement services, 60 days’ notice, and subsidized benefits. This follows a previous round of layoffs in January, which saw 40 employees let go.
The decision to dismantle these specialized teams has sparked discussion about the commitment to covering diverse communities within mainstream media. While NBC News assures that coverage will continue, the reduction in dedicated resources raises questions about the depth and focus of future reporting on these vital topics.
What are your thoughts on NBC News shutting down its dedicated diversity teams? Do you think this will impact the quality of coverage for these communities? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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