Golf Channel eliminated 30 jobs at its Orlando, Florida headquarters.
The move took place Friday May 29. Steve Elling reported that most of the positions were in the original programming department. Golf Channel’s original programming included Big Break, the upcoming Altered Course, In Play with Jimmy Roberts, and Feherty.
The network has often proclaimed that their viewership is reaching all-time highs and insists profits are robust. A Golf Channel spokesman explained the move:
“Golf Channel has realigned some business functions to add emphasis on live events, news and digital businesses. As a result, some positions primarily working on taped programming with limited digital focus have been impacted.”
Golf Channel is currently running 25 consecutive days of live golf. Mondays through Wednesdays have seen the NCAA Championships fill in airtime when there are no professional events.
In his article, Elling reports network insiders claim the layoffs were ordered by parent company Comcast. The official press release would seem to indicate shelf life, virtual accessibility, and cost of original programming are the root of the downsize.
Martin Kaufmann reports in Golfweek that Golf Channel will continue to produce talk show Feherty and its larger documentaries, like recent multi-part Arnold Palmer special. Big Break, however, will be on hiatus despite being the channel’s pioneer original show and having just completed its 23rd competition.
None of the excellent writing staff on the website nor the not-so excellent on-air personalities will be affected by the moves.
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