NBC News has reportedly laid off journalists reporting on marginalized communities, according to the Advocate.

Restructuring

In August 2025, NBC News reported that Comcast announced its various cable television networks would be moved into a separate publicly traded company called Versant. This umbrella would include MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and the Golf Channel. Comcast will maintain NBCUniversal assets, such as the NBC broadcast network, NBC News, NBC Sports, Peacock, and Bravo, under its portfolio.

Why It’s Happening

Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said the spinoff is about “building our individual identity and vision for the future while laying a foundation for the continued growth and success of our businesses,” according to NBC News.

“This gives us the opportunity to charge our own path forward, create distinct brand identities, and establish an independent news organization following the spin,” he added.

Advocate reports that executives noted the restructuring efforts would make operations more efficient and ensure no overlaps across NBCUniversal’s news sector.

Nearly 150 Staffers Laid Off

In preparation for Comcast’s assets moving to Versant, nearly 150 workers at NBC News have been notified in a memo that their roles have been eliminated as the network looks to cut costs, Deadline reports. This reportedly represents 7% of the network’s workforce, including NBCU News Group. The layoffs also impacted journalists who reported on Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups. The teams affected were NBC BLK, NBC Latino, NBC Asian America, and NBC Out, according to Advocate.

Those laid off were told they could apply for other roles and receive a severance package.

“We have sought to minimize the number of affected team members, and our teams’ decisions should not be seen as a reflection on our colleagues who will be leaving,” NBCUniversal Chairman Cesar Conde said, according to Prime Timer. “We will miss them and their valuable contributions.”