TCA: New ABC News Chief Says No More Layoffs Expected

Ben Sherwood says it’s too early to say if news media a factor in Rep. Giffords’ shooting

New ABC News President Ben Sherwood says he doesn't anticipate any more layoffs at ABC News.

"There's no plan for anything more of what's gone on in the past year," Sherwood told TheWrap at a panel at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.

He paused 10 seconds before answering the question of whether more layoffs were planned.

Sherwood returned to ABC News in December, replacing David Westin, who presided over tough economic times. About 350 staffers were laid off in a round of layoffs that ended in April 2010. Sherwood said he believed Westin had already made the hard decisions about staffing.

Sherwood also said he thought it was "way too soon" to say whether the news media may have fueled passions leading to the assassination attempt Saturday that killed six and gravely wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

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