The merger of US pay-TV network Showtime into its sister brand MTV Entertainment Studios has resulted in the layoff of around 120 staff.It’s unclear which departments will be most affected by the moves that will impact around 25% of staff overall.On air Showtime is transitioning to become “Paramount+ with Showtime”.In a memo to staff, first reported in Variety, new Showtime boss Chris McCarthy explained president Gary Levine would transition to an advisory role in the new operation, while co-president Jana Winograde is leaving completely.Levine has been employed by Showtime for 22 years and was responsible for original programming. He will now report directly to McCarthy. Winograde’s duties included overseeing business affairs, production, operations, and casting.While Showtime will remain as a linear channel for now, some observers see the changes as the precursor to the eventual closure of the service, giving way to Paramount+.There are also changes happening at Paramount+ with executives looking to build on the franchising of series such as Yellowstone and episodic dramas Billions and Dexter.
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