There were layoffs at HLN yesterday as the network prepares to reorganize its afternoon hours. The timing of the reorg is tied to the Fall launch of HLNTtv.com.
“The HLNtv.com/HLN television alignment will be particularly critical between the hours of noon and 5pm, the highest online traffic time of the day,” Scot Safon, executive VP of HLN wrote in a memo to staff Thursday. “HLN will require a new approach to daytime programming that captures the pulse, spontaneity and passion of the online-fueled news conversation. To that end, we’ve had to look closely at how we staff and produce that daypart, and we are reorganizing the dayside editorial team to best meet the audience’s multiplatform demands. Those affected by this reorganization have been notified and new opportunities within this team will be posted shortly.”
Part of the strategy is to add more chat and talk shows in the afternoon, replacing the news-based format it currently features.
Despite the layoffs, HLN is not expected to lose headcount, so new positions have been opened to replace the ones lost
Safon’s full memo to staff is after the jump.
To: HLN Colleagues
From: Scot Safon
=============================================================================
As HLN continues its evolution into a network that drives the water-cooler news conversation, we are gearing up for our next major milestone: the Fall launch of HLNtv.com, our digital initiative aimed at engaging audiences on HLN stories they follow with a passion.
The alignment of HLN television and HLNtv.com is ambitious and transformational, and it requires us to take a fresh look at how we organize our show teams and produce our shows. Many of you have been part of these discussions in recent weeks.
The HLNtv.com/HLN television alignment will be particularly critical between the hours of noon and 5pm, the highest online traffic time of the day. HLN will require a new approach to daytime programming that captures the pulse, spontaneity and passion of the online-fueled news conversation. To that end, we’ve had to look closely at how we staff and produce that daypart, and we are reorganizing the dayside editorial team to best meet the audience’s multiplatform demands. Those affected by this reorganization have been notified and new opportunities within this team will be posted shortly.
In the coming weeks, we will be meeting with all staff regarding our plans and hopes for both HLN television and HLNtv.com. We are on the verge of another defining moment for this network, and we are excited to share the vision with all of you.
Scot