TWC layoffs to affect Laker programing

Mamba Mentality · Post #1 » by **Mamba Mentality** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 1:52 am

Via the GB:

An unspecified number of layoffs and programming cutbacks have taken place at Time Warner Cable’s El Segundo-based TWC SportsNet —home of the Lakers— SportsNet LA —home of the Dodgers— and TWC Deportes, according to several sources and confirmed by the company this morning.

Details on how many were let go and how it broke down by departments was not detailed. Sources indicated more than 30 people have been let go at Deportes, including all of its on-air talent, meaning no more pre- or post-game shows for the Galaxy or any kind of programming not related to live event coverage.

TWC SportsNet will also cut back on ancillary coverage surrounding the Lakers, Sparks and Galaxy. The Dodgers’ SportsNet LA will stop producing news shows such as Dodgers Clubhouse and Larry King At Bat.

The popular “Backstage” shows, which are produced in-house, will remain, a spokesman said.

In a memo to staff employees, TWC Sports indicated the struggling ratings were the reason for the cutbacks.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150917/twc-sports-layoffs-to-affect-lakers-dodgers-galaxy-programing

I'm not familiar with TWC like some of you So Cal guys. Just curious to hear what kind of short and long term implications this will have on the partnership moving forward.

gotokyo · Post #2 » by **gotokyo** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 2:07 am

Yeah I'm sure Time Warner is really hurting financially and these layoffs were absolutely necessary.

On one hand it sucks to see the Lakers suck and have "low" ratings. On the other hand F*** Time Warner and I hope this billion dollar tv deal turns out to be a huge mistake for them.

Honestly how much Lakers programming are even die hard fans really interested in watching. 1 1/2 hour pre game show, 2 1/2 hour game, 1 hour post game show. Who's dedicating 5 hours of their day to watch this stuff?

Post #3 » by **dockingsched** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:05 am

Knowing what's gone on with the stalemate with cable providers, I'd be so extra upset if I was one of the employees let go and they told me ratings are the reason cuts are being made.

The Laker Kid · Post #4 » by **The Laker Kid** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 3:45 am

This is bad karma coming back to TWC for their selfishness.

DEEP3CL · Post #5 » by **DEEP3CL** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 10:09 pm

They knew this was coming and it was the reason they merged with Charter. Don't see how this will affect Laker programming though, all I care about is the pre game, the game and post game. I can do without some of the other Laker stuff they show, and the only show I like from that is Back Stage Lakers.

So Gutta · Post #6 » by **So Gutta** » Mon Oct 19, 2015 7:49 pm

I consider myself a massive Laker fan, but the truth is TWC Sportsnet is damn near unwatchable outside of Laker games. An epic fail on every level.

Post #7 » by **Jakay** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 12:30 am

gotokyo wrote:Yeah I'm sure Time Warner is really hurting financially and these layoffs were absolutely necessary.

On one hand it sucks to see the Lakers suck and have "low" ratings. On the other hand F*** Time Warner and I hope this billion dollar tv deal turns out to be a huge mistake for them.

Honestly how much Lakers programming are even die hard fans really interested in watching. 1 1/2 hour pre game show, 2 1/2 hour game, 1 hour post game show. Who's dedicating 5 hours of their day to watch this stuff?

Yeah, you know I feel you on this one. An $800 million deal is still a staggering amount of money, and I'm sure the extra $200 mill could probably cover a few salaries.

norcocredo · Post #8 » by **norcocredo** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 1:31 am

I expect this to happen again in the future as more and more people are getting rid of cable/satelite and going to netflix and the internet.