The media industry is in flux, and NBCUniversal is making some tough decisions. Massive layoffs are hitting the entertainment giant, with the latest round of job cuts impacting several high-ranking executives. But this time, it's personal.
Deadline exclusively reveals that NBC's Senior Vice President of Drama, Deepak Jesrani, is among those departing the company. Jesrani, a 23-year NBCU veteran, has been a key player in the drama development scene, overseeing scripted programming for both NBC and Peacock. His exit is part of a broader staff reduction within the Television Entertainment Group, affecting under 20 people, according to sources.
This move is just the latest in a series of layoffs as NBCUniversal prepares to split into two companies by the end of the year. The Versant spinoff has already caused a major January restructure, and the impact is being felt across the organization.
Also leaving are Universal Television's Vice President Brett Osmon and Director Stephanie Rae Capizzo, both from the Current Programming department. Osmon, with his background at Marvel and TV Land, had been with Universal TV for four years, while Capizzo held executive roles at NBCU for over eight years.
These layoffs are a follow-up to the larger round in April, which was linked to the Versant spinoff. The Versant side of the business has seen a string of cuts, with the most recent one impacting 150 NBC News staffers. And while the Television Entertainment Group will remain at NBCUniversal post-split, the future of many employees is still uncertain.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this simply a necessary business decision, or are there deeper issues at play? The media landscape is evolving, and NBCUniversal's strategy is under the microscope. As the industry adapts to changing viewer habits, one can't help but wonder: Are these layoffs a sign of a struggling giant, or a bold move towards a new era of entertainment?
What do you think? Are these layoffs an inevitable part of the industry's evolution, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
