National Geographic announces layoffs and buyouts
Employees were told to watch their email for ‘important information about your employment status.’
Billionaire Rupert Murdoch has purchased a majority stake in National Geographic’s two main entities—the magazine and the TV channel—and began his tenure by axing nine percent of the staff.
The company will lay off 180 of its 2,000 staff members and offer buyouts to an untold number employees.
“Please watch your inbox for important information about your employment status tomorrow,” wrote Gary Knell, the National Geographic Society’s chief executive, in an email to staff.
No cause for concern among employees with a message like that, right? He continued:
I cannot thank you enough for your patience and hard work over the last few months. I am proud of how our teams and our organization have approached and responded to this transitional period. Looking ahead, I am confident National Geographic’s mission will be fulfilled in powerful, new and impactful ways, as we continue to change the world through science, exploration, education and storytelling.
The move doesn’t seem to be going over well with the public, judging by the Twitter reaction:
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