Amazon to Lay Off ‘Several Hundred’ Across Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios

variety.com:

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Amazon is laying off “several hundred” employees at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “This is a difficult decision to make and one that my leadership team and I do not take lightly,” the company’s entertainment chief Mike Hopkins wrote in an email to staff Wednesday. “It is hard to say goodbye to talented Amazonians who’ve made meaningful contributions on behalf of our customers, team and business.

Thank you for your dedication and work. To help with the transition, we are providing packages that include a separation payment, transitional benefits as applicable by country, and external job placement support.” Hopkins says Amazon will begin informing colleagues who are impacted by the layoffs Wednesday morning, and all staff in the Americas affected by the cuts will be notified this morning and in “most other regions by the end of the week.” See Hopkins note in full, provided to Variety by Amazon, to Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios staff below.

Team, We’ve taken significant steps towards our long-term vision of making Prime Video the first-choice entertainment destination for customers worldwide, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished as a team to date.

Our investments in programming, marketing, and technology have enabled us to expand our selection of blockbuster movies, hit tv series, live sports, the world’s largest TVOD catalog along with over 650 partner Channels worldwide, and AVOD services including Freevee – all available in a single destination, delighting customers around the globe.