Paramount’s latest wave of layoffs has sent shockwaves through the company, hitting high-level executives across its flagship networks including CBS, MTV, BET, CMT, and its streaming platform Paramount+. The job cuts come amid the ongoing merger with Skydance and a broader effort to slash billions in costs.
Among those let go are some of the most senior and long-serving leaders in the television industry. According to reports, the cuts included CBS Entertainment senior vice presidents Pamela Soper and Amanda Palley, both of whom oversaw current programming. Also out is Teri Fleming, who led marketing at Paramount Global Content Distribution.
BET lost its senior vice president of scripted programming and development, Rose Catherine Pinkney. MTV’s longtime head of music and celebrity talent, Wendy Plaut, was also among the exits, along with Amanda Culkowski, who served as vice president of music program development and documentaries for MTV and Paramount+. CMT also saw major cuts, including Margaret Comeaux, senior vice president of music and events production.
Paramount+ was hit with layoffs as well. Jeff Grossman, vice president of programming, and Patricia Kollappallil, SVP of corporate communications, were both removed. Amy Campbell, who held the title of chief marketing officer at Paramount Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios, was also among those impacted. CBS Entertainment communications VP Andrea Ballas was cut as well.
George Cheeks, chairman of Paramount’s TV and media operations, addressed the layoffs in a company memo.
He acknowledged the gravity of the day, calling it one of the most difficult in the company’s history. Cheeks said many of those being let go had helped shape the culture and creative legacy of CBS and Paramount’s media networks for years. He praised their contributions and said the company is deeply grateful for their work.
Cheeks said the layoffs were necessary as Paramount looks to reposition itself for the future in an increasingly volatile media environment. He added that the company remains committed to helping employees through the transition.
The cuts are part of a larger cost-cutting plan under incoming CEO David Ellison, who is now leading the company through its merger with Skydance. Paramount plans to eliminate roughly 2,000 jobs, starting with this week’s initial round of 1,000 layoffs. Additional rounds are expected in the coming months.
Paramount had previously announced a $500 million savings target even before the merger. That number has now ballooned to $2 billion under Skydance’s ownership as the studio grapples with mounting streaming losses, declining ad revenue, and rising competition.
The moves reflect the latest example of widespread instability across Hollywood as traditional media giants continue to restructure in response to rapid industry disruption.
The post Paramount Layoffs Hit Top Executives Across CBS, MTV, BET, and Paramount+ appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
