ABC News to Cut Jobs, Focus on Digital Media

NEW YORK, June 25: ABC News will cut some 35 jobs over the
next two years as part of a restructure to move more resources into digital
media, according to wire reports.

The AP reports that the network's news president, David
Westin, sent an email to staffers on Friday announcing the "two-year
process to take a fresh look at ABC News from top to bottom.”

"Some of you may wonder why we're considering
fundamental changes at a time when the news division is enjoying such
hard-earned success," Westin said in the email. "That success results
in part from the changes we've already made over the past few years. Now we're
dealing from strength, and that makes it all the most important to act
now."

The division is expected to consolidate a number of
operations and shed some positions, but it will likely add staffers to its
digital media operations. "We will also be looking at smart ways to
increase our news gathering, particularly overseas," Westin said.
"We've already posted new openings for India, Australia, Iran and
Brazil."