Fox News Media is laying off employees in multiple divisions Wednesday amid a restructuring of the company’s various businesses and platforms.
In a statement, a representative said, “As Fox News Media has evolved into a streamlined multi-platform organization, we are realigning several functions and restructuring various divisions in order to position all of our businesses for ongoing success.”
An internal memo from Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott called Wednesday “a challenging day and noted that “as a result of this reorganization, many of our co-workers and friends will be departing.”
A source with knowledge of the restructuring said less than 3% of the workforce would be affected, but excluding on-air talent like anchors and contributors, positions of all ranks within the company would be included. They will receive a severance and benefits package.
The department hardest hit by the reductions will be the hair and makeup team, said the source familiar. While other departments are facing reductions aimed to correct out-of-date practices and streamline work on Fox News Media’s multiple platforms, hairstylists and makeup artists work has been disrupted by the coronavirus. Since the pandemic began, they said, 90% of that team has not been working, but has still been getting paid. Going forward, only on-air talent will have access to hair and makeup, which guests also used to have.
In her Wednesday memo, Scott wrote, “I would like to express sincere gratitude to those employees who will be leaving us today. All of their contributions to Fox News Media over many years are deeply appreciated. Please know that we made this assessment with much thought, care and consideration for all of those affected.”
In the past few years, Fox News has expanded its business, launching OTT programming and audio offerings. Fox Nation, the company subscription streaming service, launched in 2018.
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