ViacomCBS is issuing layoff notices to dozens of workers who work for the company’s digital media websites, including its technology news publication CNET.
The move comes less than a month after the media giant agreed to sell CNET and other digital websites to North Carolina-based marketing firm Red Ventures.
Workers at the websites began receiving layoff notices on Thursday, according to multiple sources who spoke with The Desk on condition of anonymity.
One source familiar with the matter said between 50 and 100 employees are expected to receive layoff notices by the end of next week. Affected employees include staff writers who are tasked with creating editorial content for ViacomCBS’ various digital properties.
A ViacomCBS spokesperson has not yet returned a request for comment.
After almost 9 years I'm sad to announce I have been made redundant from GameSpot. It really was the most fulfilling job with the most incredible people. Please keep me in mind if you know of anyone looking for a host, video producer, games journo, etc. ❤️
— Jess McDonell (@JessMcDonell) October 8, 2020
After 12 and a half long years of good times and great work, my role with GameSpot has been made redundant.
If anyone out there could use the skills of someone with this much senior editorial and video production experience, well, my schedule is looking pretty free right now.
— Edmond Tran (@EdmondTran) October 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/thewillennium/status/1314259888709615616
So, I have also been laid off from GameSpot.
I'll be sending out a lot of feelers, but if you want someone with 7+ years of experience in games, 5 of which are in video production, hit me up.
That's all. Much love to everyone else in this situation with me. It sucks.
— Tony Wilson (@chaingunpope) October 8, 2020
just got word that i am getting laid off after the RV acquisition. my last day is november 30.
if you have any openings in writing, social media, editing, podcasting, anything, please please send tips or opportunities my way. i have nowhere to go if i lose where i live.
— Ashley Oh (@itsashleyoh) October 8, 2020
Gutted for my friends and former colleagues at GameSpot. Thinking about all of you today and ready to chat if you need an ear.
— Peter Brown (@PCBrown) October 8, 2020
In September, Red Ventures agreed to acquire CNET Media Group and its websites — including Gamespot, TV Guide, Metacritic and ZDNet — for $500 million. The company currently operates Healthline, Cord Cutters News, The Points Guys, BankRate.com and CreditCards.com and has a history of acquiring news websites and relaunching them into marketing blogs with a primary mission of selling goods and services to consumers under the guise of journalism.
In a statement, a Red Ventures spokesperson said the company expects to “retain a vast majority of CNET Media Group employee and assets under the Red Ventures business umbrella.”
“The deal has not closed, and to protect the privacy of our employees we cannot release additional information,” the spokesperson said.
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This post has been updated to clarify the number of employees who are expected to receive layoff notices based on information provided by a source.
