JAKARTA – Video streaming service company HBO Max is reportedly cutting 14% of its staff, including HBO Max's Chief Content Officer (CCO) Casey Bloys. This resulted in the layoffs of around 70 employees. This decision also affected the HBO program.
According to Tech Crunch, the other cuts have had an impact on HBO Max's casting, acquisitions and international departments. The unscripted show that was deemed a success is expected to continue.
This restructuring came after AT&T's WarnerMedia officially merged with Discovery, Inc. in April. Under the terms of the agreement, AT&T received $43 billion in cash and debt. But the company still has a debt burden of US$53 billion and is trying to cut costs to save US$3 billion by 2023.
In major technology mergers, layoffs are expected to eliminate redundancies. But fans of the HBO Max program are outraged by these layoff rumors. They were worried that original scripted shows like "Hacks", "Our Flag Means Death" or "The Flight Attendant" would be cancelled. So far, HBO Max's original script shows have not been affected.
In addition, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery's David Zaslav announced that the company will be putting aside the DC Comics adaptation of "Batgirl," even though the film is already finished and costs at least $70 million. Zaslav added that a sequel to the animated film Scooby Doo will also not be released.
To make matters worse, viewers noticed that HBO Max quietly removed the original six films from its service, which featured a number of prominent actresses such as Anne Hathaway, Seth Rogen, and Cole Sprouse.
It's been a tough year for the media giant's newly joined forces. Warner Bros. Discovery also discontinued the CNN+ streaming service just one month after launch, costing the company $300 million.
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