Disney's recent layoff of 7,000 employees led to significant cuts in Marvel's podcast team. Despite cost-cutting efforts, including discontinuing Marvel's Pull List podcast, specific reasons for the layoffs were not provided.
Laying Off Employees from Marvel's Podcast Division
Amidst Disney's recent layoff of 7,000 employees, Marvel's in-house podcast team of six employees faced a significant cut as well. The team was responsible for producing companion podcasts and pop culture shows like Women of Marvel, The History of Marvel, and This Week in Marvel.
This was reduced by half during the latest round of layoffs. Despite the podcast team's efforts to devise cost-cutting measures, such as discontinuing Marvel's Pull List podcast, The Verge reported that the decision to reduce the workforce was ultimately made by Disney.
When asked for clarification, Marvel has not provided a specific reason for the layoffs. The move comes as Disney evaluates its operations and resource allocations, impacting various units within the company, including Marvel's podcast division.
One anonymous employee expressed their dismay at the significant job losses suffered by former public radio colleagues and professionals in the private sector. Witnessing the industry's implosion has been gut-wrenching for many, prompting concerns about further cutbacks.
The employee also revealed that they weren't entirely surprised by Disney's decision to make similar job cuts, indicating that the ongoing challenges in the audio sector have cast a shadow of uncertainty across the industry.
Other Affected Divisions
Disney's cost-cutting initiatives have had a significant impact on its various audio properties. Variety reported that the effects were evident across different divisions, with three ABC Audio executives leaving the company last month due to multiple cuts at both ESPN Radio and ABC Audio.
Similarly, National Geographic, where Disney holds a majority stake, faced layoffs in April, including the team responsible for the Overheard podcast. Subsequently, the cuts intensified, leading to the termination of the entire audio team and all staff writers a few months later. Disney's efforts to streamline expenses have left an unmistakable mark on its audio ventures.
Disney has achieved its benchmark for job cuts set in February, shortly after Bob Chapek's departure as CEO and Bob Iger's return. The company still intends to eliminate more roles globally in the future, according to an insider familiar with the matter.
As Disney navigates its restructuring plans, the impact on international positions remains a focus, and further job reductions are expected to be implemented in due course. Following these decisions, Iger's personal decisions gain controversies.
Amidst a series of shocking layoffs, New York Post reported that Iger's Los Angeles estate has been undergoing major renovations. The renovations amount to approximately $7 million, reflecting substantial changes to the sprawling mansion, which boasts seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
Read also: Disney Layoffs 2023: First Round Reportedly Underway, to Terminate as much as 7,000 Employees
