In an effort to restructure their business, WarnerMedia has made a series of layoffs that has affected a number of employees at DC, both in the publishing department and the DC Universe digital streaming service.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, those who have lost their jobs include editor-in-chief Bob Harris, senior VP of publishing strategy and support services Hank Kanalz, VP of marketing and creative services Jonah Weiland, VP global publishing initiatives and digital strategy Bobbie Chase, senior story editor Brian Cunningham, and executive editor Mark Doyle, who oversaw the rollout of the Black Label graphic novels.
Jim Lee remains the Chief Creative Officer, he has been removed from his publishing role. Lee’s new role will be to act as a liaison between DC and other brands of Warner Media.
It is being reported that WarnerMedia has cut around one third of DC’s editorial staff, with a large percentage of staff at the DC Universe digital streaming service also laid off. It is expected that the DC Universe service will be shut down and absorbed in to HBO Max, which will expand in to the global market.
DC Direct, the company’s in-house merchandise and collectibles manufacturer, has also been shut down.
The restructure comes as the comic book industry suffers under the economic pressures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s sad for all the people who have lost their jobs. And their parent company will then report to shareholders how they were able to main the same margin of profits…
And I finally broke down and signed up for DC Universe too…
Really sad to hear that such layoffs were held. This whole Covid19 delimma has left many unable to make ends meet, bills and rents and mortgages to pay. My company also laid 200 people off here in Germany. Different jungle…same crap.
The effects here are pretty big. WB/DC has two huge movies in the wings, Wonder Woman and the new Batman. With theaters and most of major Hollywood shut down, this could have long term implications regarding what the future holds. Even HBO MAX streaming service sign ups aren’t going to change much. I feel some what fortunate that we have the Zack’s JL on the way. Until there’s some kind of major end to the virus, and as time goes by, there could be more bad news in other areas. I notice that it’s been pretty quiet from the Disney/Marvel… Read more »