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Following its high-profile merger, Paramount Skydance is reportedly preparing to initiate a major cost-cutting move, beginning with about 1,000 layoffs on Wednesday. According to a Bloomberg report citing a person familiar with internal discussions, this marks just the first phase of broader restructuring efforts, with an additional round of job cuts expected in the near future. Earlier reports estimated the total layoffs could reach around 2,000 employees. A Swift Restructuring Drive After The Merger The company, formed through the August merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, has wasted no time in implementing changes. The new leadership team, led by CEO David Ellison, has emphasised the need for agility and efficiency as the entertainment conglomerate repositions itself for the future, added the report. “We do not want to be a company that has layoffs every quarter,” said Paramount President Jeff Shell at a post-merger press conference. “So, it’s going to be painful.” His comments underscored the company’s intent to complete the transition swiftly rather than prolong uncertainty among staff, claims the report. CBS News Faces Leadership And Editorial Overhaul Meanwhile, CBS News, which came under Skydance’s control as part of the merger, is also undergoing significant changes. John Dickerson, longtime CBS journalist and co-anchor of CBS Evening News, announced that he will depart the network by year-end, ending a 16-year career with the broadcaster, as per the Bloomberg report. “I am extremely grateful for all that CBS gave me — the work, the audience’s attention and the honour of being a part of the network’s history — and I am grateful for my dear colleagues who’ve made me a better journalist and a better human,” Dickerson wrote on Instagram. New Leadership Signals A Cultural Shift The report states that earlier this month, Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press, was appointed as editor in chief of CBS News. Known for her outspoken critiques of media bias, Weiss’s arrival signals a potential editorial shift for the network. Ellison also created a new ombudsman role to address bias complaints, suggesting a more transparent and accountability-driven newsroom culture. Dickerson, who previously worked at Time and Slate, had co-anchored CBS Evening News with Maurice DuBois since January.
