NBC News to lay off London bureau staff ahead of divorce from MSNBC, CNBC

NBC News Initiates Staff Layoffs in London Bureau Amid Restructuring

NBC News has begun the process of laying off employees from its London bureau as part of a restructuring ahead of its separation from sister cable channels MSNBC and CNBC. The move signals deeper job cuts to come, according to a report from the Status newsletter.

The news division has entered a “consultation phase,” a required procedure in the UK before staff reductions can take place. Last week, NBC News eliminated a small number of positions from its graphics team that supported MSNBC and CNBC.

Insiders at NBC News headquarters in Manhattan described a sense of anxiety and uncertainty about the extent of the upcoming layoffs. Speculation about further job cuts is widespread, with one source likening the atmosphere to the final days of a divorce.

As NBC News prepares to separate from Versant, changes are expected to occur within the organization. The separation will involve NBC News journalists no longer appearing on MSNBC and CNBC, with MSNBC rebranding as MS NOW and moving to a new facility in Times Square.

Versant, the new company spun off from Comcast, will include major cable channels and digital properties, led by CEO Mark Lazarus. The transition will impact NBC’s current staffing structure as Versant focuses on independent programming and digital growth.

Despite generating $7 billion in revenue in 2024, Versant faces challenges such as declining cable profits and significant debt. NBCUniversal, on the other hand, will continue to operate NBC News, Peacock, Telemundo, and Universal Studios under Comcast’s umbrella.

While CNBC will maintain its business focus, Versant will pursue a “house of brands” strategy emphasizing digital expansion and new partnerships. The evolving landscape of NBC’s properties reflects the changing dynamics of the media industry.

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