Variety: A+E Networks Undergoes Layoffs Across Departments at Lifetime, A&E and History

Story from Variety:

A+E Networks underwent a round of staff cuts on Tuesday, with every division of the company — including programming, marketing and and public relations at outlets including Lifetime, A&E and History — impacted by the layoffs. Among those let go, Variety has confirmed that Lifetime senior VP of unscripted development and programming Amy Savitsky has departed the company.

“We thank our employees who are departing for their enormous contributions to our company,” an A+E Networks spokesperson said in a statement. Beyond that, A+E declined to share a specific number for how many staffers would be departing as part of the cuts.

The A+E Networks layoffs come as part of an overall industry downsizing, particularly in the cable industry. News comes the same day that Paramount Global began its plan to lay off around 15% of its U.S.-based workforce, including the shutdown of its Paramount TV Studios division.

At A+E Networks, other major executives departing include Lifetime vice presidents Kim Chessler and Cat Rodriguez, as well as History unscripted programming VP Zach Behr and A+E programming VP Peter Tarshis, a 31-year veteran who served as an exec producer on its signature “Biography” series.

Savitsky took on her most recent role in 2022; prior to that, she was senior vice president of development and programming for History, where she oversaw the channel’s development and served as executive producer on series including “The Proof Is Out There” and “The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters.” She was formerly the senior vice president of development and programming for A&E, where she was responsible for overseeing some of the network’s most acclaimed series, including “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and “Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole.”

Chessler, meanwhile, had been at Lifetime since 2010, while Rodriguez joined in 2019. Behr first joined the company in 2011.

Deadline was first with the news on the A+E Networks layoffs.