Paramount Global is cutting back the Smithsonian Channel’s New York Hub as more details about the U.S. layoffs emerge.Staff at the channel’s New York office were told mid-last week, we understand, and third-party producers were subsequently informed that most of their shows will now be handled by execs at Smithsonian Channel’s Washington HQ. The Washington team will also be impacted.Around two-dozen people work in the New York office, Deadline understands. One of those at risk is Rachel Watson, VP Development for the Smithsonian Channel.The move comprises part of Paramount Media Networks’ 25% domestic layoffs, a “very hard but necessary decision” revealed by President and CEO Chris McCarthy in an all-staff note last week. “Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, we will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to our business as we move forward,” wrote McCarthy.Instead of having separate teams dedicated to brands, McCarthy’s division going forwards will create content across a portfolio of networks, which is impacting Smithsonian.The basic cable networks are the most heavily impacted as Paramount integrates nine separate network teams into a portfolio group. Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios are being combined. MTV News is closing entirely after several decades in operation and having undergone significant downsizing over the last few years.Among the senior-level executives impacted are Jessica Zalkind, SVP, Talent and Series Development, MTV Networks, and Todd Radnitz, SVP of Original Unscripted Series at MTV Entertainment Group and Paramount+, we hear. East Coast casting is also being folded into the West Coast operation.Smithsonian Channel launched as a JV between Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution almost 20 years ago and makes a wide range of factual content spanning history, science and culture including the likes of Project Artemis: Back to the Moon, One Thousand Years of Slavery and Picturing the Obamas. Pamela Aguilar took over as SVP/Head from James F. Blue III, who departed last year following an 18-month stint.
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