Oprah’s OWN Network Cuts Staff

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), a partnership between Harpo, Inc., and Discovery Communications Inc., announced on Monday that OWN is eliminating 30 positions, as the Los Angeles-based company restructures its operations.
OWN disclosed the layoffs three days after the network announced that The Rose Show, starring comedian Rosie O’Donnell, was to tape its final show on Tuesday, March 20, and the final episode will air on Friday, March 30.
“I thank Rosie from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this journey,” Oprah Winfrey said. “She has been an incredible partner, working to deliver the best possible show every single day. As I have learned in the last 15 months, a new network launch is always a challenge and ratings grow over time as you continue to gather an audience. I am grateful to Rosie and the dedicated Rosie Show team for giving it their all.”
Winfrey, who is chief executive officer and chief creative officer of OWN, said it was difficult to make tough business decisions that affect people’s lives.
“The economics of a start-up cable network just don’t work with the cost structure that was in place,” she added. “As CEO, I have a responsibility to chart the course for long-term success for the network. To fully achieve that long-term success, this was a necessary next step.”
The restructuring affects OWN employees in Los Angeles and New York City. Ninety workers remain at OWN, down from a high of 150. OWN debuted on Jan. 1, 2011, in approximately 77 million homes.