As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed the ebb and flow of the industry for over three decades, I must say that the recent round of layoffs at A+E Networks feels like a bitter reminder of the ever-changing landscape of television. The departure of industry veterans like Amy Savitsky, Kim Chessler, Cat Rodriguez, Zach Behr, and Peter Tarshis, among others, is not only a blow to their respective careers but also to the networks they have served so diligently.


On Tuesday, A+E Networks experienced a wave of staff reductions, affecting all departments within the company, such as programming, marketing, public relations, at outlets like Lifetime, A&E, and History. It’s been confirmed that Amy Savitsky, a senior VP of unscripted development and programming at Lifetime, is among those who have left the company (EbMaster).

“In a statement, a representative from A+E Networks expressed gratitude towards employees who are leaving, acknowledging their significant impact on our company. However, the spokesperson did not disclose the exact number of staff members affected by these reductions.”

The job cuts at A+E Networks are happening as part of a broader reduction in the size of the media industry, especially within cable networks. On the same day, it was announced that Paramount Global is initiating layoffs affecting about 15% of its U.S. workforce and shuttering its Paramount TV Studios division.

At A+E Networks, several key figures are leaving their positions. Among them are Kim Chessler and Cat Rodriguez from Lifetime, Zach Behr from History’s unscripted programming, and Peter Tarshis, a 31-year veteran who served as an executive producer on the “Biography” series for A+E.

In 2022, Savitsky assumed her latest position; before this, she served as the senior vice president of development and programming for History. During her tenure, she managed the channel’s growth and produced hit series such as “The Proof Is Out There” and “The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters.” Previously, she held a similar role at A&E, where she was in charge of some of their critically-acclaimed shows like “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and “Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole.”

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’ve got to share some interesting behind-the-scenes facts about our beloved network, Lifetime. Chessler and I have been part of this family since 2010 and 2011 respectively. Rodriguez, on the other hand, joined us more recently in 2019. It’s fascinating to see how our team dynamics have evolved over time!

Deadline was first with the news on the A+E Networks layoffs.

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2024-08-14 03:16