by Thinus Ferreira
WarnerMedia has started a new round of retrenchments in North America, and says it will also eliminate further jobs internationally.
WarnerMedia is elevating its HBO Max video streaming service with ongoing, major restructuring of the company.
WarnerMedia plans to launch HBO Max internationally but has been silent on any possible date for South Africa or sub-Saharan Africa for this video streaming service.
WarnerMedia runs Turner, HBO and Warner Bros. and through those units international TV channels like CNN International, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TNT and others around the world on pay-TV services like MultiChoice's DStv and China's StarTimes across Africa, in addition to the HBO channel with its premium content sold to broadcasters worldwide like M-Net.
"This is a very painful email to write. And for a number of you reading this, I realize it will be even more painful to receive," Jason Kilar who took over in May 2020, wrote to WarnerMedia staffers on Tuesday.
"This is a very painful email to write. And for a number of you reading this, I realise it will be even more painful to receive."
"In August, I first shared news about how we were going to meaningfully change the organizational structure of WarnerMedia which entailed, among other items, simplifying how we organize our entertainment studios, elevating HBO Max, and consolidating our commercial activities into one organization."
"Many of you have patiently waited to hear how the reorganization would affect you personally, which is both uncomfortable and stressful," he writes.
"As I mentioned a few months ago, this entails simplifying how we are organized, partnering with the very best storytellers, and leaning into world-class product and technology as we share our stories directly with audiences across the globe."
"Our journey entails continuing to excel in our large, core businesses while at the same time investing in emerging businesses where we have the opportunity to meaningfully delight customers."
"Today, we have arrived at a number of difficult decisions that are resulting in a smaller WarnerMedia team. This is a function of removing layers and the impact of consolidating previously separate organisations."
"Starting today in North America, we will be sharing which jobs are being eliminated and which roles have changed. We are continuing to review proposed changes in other countries across our non-United States businesses, the timing of which will vary according to local regulatory requirements."
"Nothing about this is easy. But please know, these reductions are not in any way a reflection of the quality of the team members impacted, nor their work. It is simply a function of the changes I believe we must make in order to best serve customers."
Jason Kilar says that "To our colleagues who are leaving, I wish there were words to lessen today’s pain".
"Your contributions are a permanent part of this great company and today’s news does not change that. I am extremely thankful for all that you have done for this team and this mission."
