Another round of layoffs was released across multiple aspects of The Walt Disney Company this morning.
Following the first round several weeks ago, this next wave is expected to terminate over “several thousands” of jobs between Monday, April 24, and Thursday, April 27, getting the company closer to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s 7,000 job-cut goal in an effort to reduce costs by $5.5 billion. The third round of layoffs is expected to be released before the beginning of summer.
According to Spectrum News 13, segments that are expected to be hit in this wave include ESPN, Disney Entertainment, and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. However, Theme Park Cast Members are still expected to be safe.
While scores of jobs were lost in the first round, the most notable termination was the entire “Next Generation Storytelling” division: the “Chapek-Era” team tasked with fulfilling the now-former CEO’s dream of a Disney Metaverse.
Now, it is expected that Disney’s sports broadcasting franchise ESPN will step into the leading role with the most notable Disney layoffs.
The termination of ESPN employees comes at a time when the network is expected to pay billions in order to retain broadcasting rights to NBA games.
At this time, onlookers hold their breath as the unfortunate employees receive the bad news. Several people like, Project Manager Cherin Whitaker have already taken to LinkedIn in anticipation of all of the #readytowork posts, saying,
“Wishing all of my #disney friends and family the best this week as the company moves through another round of #layoffs. The anxiety of just waiting to hear if you are safe or not can be overwhelming. Remember to breathe and that this is hard on everyone (wether you are safe or not).”
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on this story as more developments come to light.