Layoffs are coming to the Esquire Network as it leaves the airwaves and becomes a digital-only platform, TheWrap has learned.
Though the scale of the losses was not disclosed, an insider told TheWrap that “massive” layoffs were expected and that the human resources department had booked conference rooms for Thursday and Friday.
NBCUniversal announced Wednesday that the network would switch to an online format in a news release. What the release did not include, however, was word that jobs will be lost in the move as Esquire shifts resources.
The downsizing comes as the struggling TV network was dropped from AT&T’s pay services, DirecTV and U-Verse, in December. It was also hit with layoffs in early 2o16.
Esquire’s new digital network will launch online in the spring, with new original series including “Borderland USA” and “Edgehill.”
“Since its launch, Esquire Network has seen consistent growth among total viewers and key demos and has delivered significant value to our advertising partners. Men today consume content on a variety of platforms and it is essential that we follow our viewers,” Adam Stotsky, President, E! Entertainment and Esquire Network, said in a statement.
“We are grateful to the team that has contributed to Esquire’s many successes to date, and this new strategy sets us up for the future.”