Media Layoffs Sweep Hollywood and U.S. Newsrooms as Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery and CNN Cut Staff in 2025 and 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA — Layoffs continued to ripple across Hollywood, streaming, video games and news organizations through 2025 and into 2026, with major companies cutting workers as they reshape operations. The latest rounds add to a longer stretch of reductions tied to post-pandemic changes, industry strikes, streaming pressure and broader corporate restructuring.

The cuts span both entertainment and journalism, affecting companies from Disney and Paramount to CNN, The Washington Post, NBCUniversal and Microsoft’s Xbox division.

Microsoft, Meta, Disney and Paramount led some of the biggest 2026 cuts

In early July, Microsoft said its Xbox division would lay off 3,200 workers, including 1,600 immediately, as part of a 20% staffing reduction. Meta also disclosed plans in late April to eliminate about 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, while leaving 6,000 open roles unfilled.

Disney said in June it was cutting several hundred employees across entertainment, publicity, casting, development and finance. Paramount followed with another domestic reduction on June 10, saying it would cut 3.5% of its U.S. workforce as it responded to continuing linear TV declines.

Broadcast and cable newsrooms also faced smaller but widespread reductions

CNN cut about 200 jobs in January 2025 and then reduced another 100 positions in 2024, while CNBC announced a newsroom restructuring in February 2026 affecting fewer than 12 editorial staffers. PBS notified 34 employees in September 2025 that they would lose their jobs after federal funding cuts.

Other newsroom actions included CBS News Radio shutting down in March 2026, The Washington Post trimming a third of its staff in early 2026, and the Los Angeles Times issuing another round of layoff notices to 14 guild members in 2024.

Streaming, studios and talent agencies kept trimming headcount

Warner Bros. Discovery has continued multiple rounds of cuts across its cable and production businesses, while NBCUniversal began layoffs tied to its spinoff plans for cable brands including E!, Syfy, Oxygen and USA Network. Sony Pictures Entertainment also laid off a few hundred people from a global staff of about 12,000 in April 2025.

Other reductions hit Quixote Studios in Atlanta, Quixote’s Los Angeles operations, WME, IAC now known as People Inc., and Spotify’s podcast group, including The Ringer and Spotify Studios. In video games and tech, Epic Games, Ubisoft and Amazon also carried out major workforce reductions.

2025’s earlier cuts hit magazines, local TV, production companies and entertainment brands

Throughout 2025, layoffs or furloughs were also reported at Teen Vogue, Access Hollywood, Hallmark, Lifetime, A+E Networks, Anonymous Content, Critical Content, Fifth Season, Lionsgate and Marvel. Nexstar-owned KTLA in Los Angeles also saw staff reductions, including several on-air personnel.

The list also includes the closure of CNN News Radio, job cuts at Business Insider and Axios, and restructuring moves at Fox Entertainment, Universal International Studios, Mercury Studios and Blocks. Deadline said the pattern reflects a business still adjusting to major changes in how media is produced, distributed and funded.

Keep up with Chicago Music Guide.