By April MacIntyre Nov 12, 2009, 4:08 GMT
Current TV, the cable channel founded by former Vice President Al Gore, laid off about 20 percent of its work force Wednesday.
(L-R) Journalist Laura Ling cries as she talks with sister/journalist Lisa Ling after arriving at Hangar 25 in Burbank, California, USA, on 05 August 2009 after being released by North Korean authorities yesterday. Laura Ling and Euna Lee, of San Francisco based Current TV, were both arrested by North Korea in March for illegally entering the country on the Chinese border. EPA/KEVORK DJANSEZIAN
Media Week reports that these restructuring layoffs hit 80 people in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and London offices, right before the Holidays.
Current released a statement saying the reorganization "was not the result of a need to cut costs."
Shows such as "Current Tonight," "Current Takeover" and "Current Exposed" have been canceled.
The network is shifting toward a more traditional content strategy, with plans to run traditional half-hour and hour shows - "mostly acquisitions."
Current's two reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee were arrested and imprisoned by the North Korean military after crossing into the country from China. They were reelased in July.
Your Talkback on this Story