Turner to lay off 30% staff in EMEA

MUMBAI: The global economic slowdown seems to be having an impact on Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). The company said it would be trimming 30 per cent of its staff in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The harsh decision comes after TBS international president Gerhard Zeiler took charge in September 2012. He began the review exercise soon after to identify redundancies and make operational changes across the region.

Zeiler told media today that a "30 per cent reduction in positions across EMEA is necessary in order to give more operating power and accountability within the regions, as opposed to large central functions.?

?This review required us taking some tough decisions, but they are absolutely necessary to put Turner International in the best possible position for future growth,? said Zeiler. ?Greater empowerment and broader accountability for local management will lead to simplified processes throughout the organization, improved efficiency and reduced costs,? Zeiler added.

Once the review is complete, some functions will be outsourced while others will be restructured for which proposal are being consulted upon presently.

?This review required us taking some tough decisions, but they are absolutely necessary to put Turner International in the best possible position for future growth. Greater empowerment and broader accountability for local management will lead to simplified processes throughout the organisation, improved efficiency and reduced costs,? said Zeiler.

No details about annual savings through these were given.

Turner Broadcasting System International operates more than 100 channels that are versions of core Turner brands, such as CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, in more than 30 languages in 200 countries around the world. Turner?s EMEA business has 17 branded channels in 27 languages in more than 100 territories.