EXCLUSIVE: The layoffs sweeping across Paramount Global this month have hit the UK.
Paramount-owned MTV UK is axing original shows Gonzo and Fresh Out UK and the majority of their production staff are exiting.
We are also told layoffs have hit the MTV talent team, known internally as TAM, and some in Paramount UK‘s original production team, which had already slimmed down majorly two years ago. The total number being made redundant is in double figures, we understand.
Canceling Gonzo and Fresh Out UK virtually spells the end for originals on the MTV UK music channels, although we understand some production staff remain to work on the broadcast of Isle of MTV Malta, the annual music festival, along with some digital content. We understand the move broadly represents a shift towards global content over local originals.
Hosted by Jack Saunders and Becca Dudley, Gonzo has been on for more than two decades and sees the presenters interview bands and artists. Fresh Out similarly showcases new music and sees artists take part in interviews, games and live performances.
The cancelation of the shows feels something of an end of an era for lovers of MTV UK’s music-focused originals, though the main MTV channel remains active and MTV digital content is being amplified both on social platforms and Paramount+.
“MTV UK is sunsetting local series Gonzo and Fresh Out UK beginning this month,” said a Paramount spokesman. “We are deeply grateful to our hosts Jack Saunders and Becca Dudley and the incredibly talented artists who have been a part of these series, as well as the teams who have brought them to life. Fans can continue to enjoy global music shows like the MTV VMAs, Stans and Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now on MTV and Paramount+, alongside digital music content on our MTV UK social channels.”
The news comes two weeks after Paramount said it would be shedding 3.5% of its workforce, a year after making 15% redundant.
Announcing those latest layoffs, Paramount Co-CEO Chris McCarthy told staff they “may also result in some impacts to our workforce outside the U.S. over time,” which have clearly now come to pass. Paramount+ and Channel 5’s UK teams are not impacted by today’s news, though one source said Paramount was looking into the entertainment channels suite.
In 2023, Paramount shuttered the UK unscripted division of its international production arm, which made the likes of Catfish UK and True Life Crime, pivoting to scripted.
Paramount remains in a protracted waiting game as it looks to close its $8B merger with Skydance Media, which has dragged into the second half of the year as the companies wait for FCC approval.
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