In a significant shakeup, NBCUniversal, the media giant owned by Comcast, has initiated a wave of layoffs following two major corporate moves: the spinoff of a new standalone company housing cable networks like E!, Syfy, Oxygen, and USA Network, and a high-level executive restructuring. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs, described as “surgical” rather than sweeping, affect a few dozen employees across NBCUniversal’s television, streaming, and studio divisions, with a particular focus on marketing, communications, and some junior programming roles, according to a report from Deadline.
The layoffs are tied to the creation of SpinCo, the newly formed entity that will operate independently with popular cable networks under its umbrella. Insiders report that employees transitioning to SpinCo were notified earlier this week, and the current cuts follow those decisions. The spinoff was anticipated to prompt departures, as many NBCUniversal executives had been managing duties across both the cable networks and the Peacock streaming service. With SpinCo now taking shape, the company is streamlining its workforce to align with the new structure.
Earlier this year, SpinCo appointed Val Boreland, formerly NBCUniversal’s EVP and Head of Content Acquisitions for TV and Streaming, as its President of Entertainment. Boreland is expected to oversee programming for networks like E!, known for shows such as House of Villains and Botched; Syfy, home to sci-fi originals; USA Network, with its mix of scripted series; and Oxygen, a hub for true-crime content like Cold Justice, Deadly Waters with Captain Lee, and the long-running Snapped. While these networks produce fewer originals compared to NBC, Peacock, or Bravo, which remain under NBCUniversal, they maintain a robust slate of programming that will shape SpinCo’s identity.
The layoffs also follow a January restructuring that redefined roles for top executives. Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, appointed Pearlena Igbokwe as Chairman of Television Studios, overseeing NBC Entertainment and Peacock scripted content, and Frances Berwick as Chairman of Bravo & Peacock Unscripted. This move clarified programming responsibilities but led to high-profile exits, including Peacock President Kelly Campbell and Corie Henson, EVP of Unscripted Content, Competition, and Game Shows.
The changes reflect NBCUniversal’s efforts to adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape, balancing its legacy cable business with its streaming ambitions. While the layoffs are targeted, they underscore the challenges of corporate restructuring and the human impact of such transitions. As SpinCo prepares to carve its niche, industry watchers will be closely monitoring how these shifts influence NBCUniversal’s broader strategy.
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