Layoffs at Gore TV

Presumably, Al Gore's cable network Current Media hasn't been affected by the mortgage meltdown nor the high energy prices. Nevertheless, Gore's company has announced layoffs.

A statement from Current put the number of layoffs at about 60 positions, with 30 more to be refilled, the company said in a statement. That's less of a hard hit than the 20 percent cuts that a source close to Current hinted to CNET News on Tuesday.

The statement read: "Approximately 60 positions have been eliminated in the company's three U.S. offices, and approximately 30 new positions created," the statement read. "Many of those whose positions were eliminated have been placed in the new positions. Current will have approximately 410 employees (after these staffing adjustments)." [...]

"These changes result from the development of a new, innovative programming strategy built around eight cross-platform channels, including news, comedy, music, and technology, slated to premiere in the first quarter of 2009," the statement detailed.

"Current's new programming strategy expands upon its pioneering use of viewer-created content to include additional opportunities for participation, creating a far more viewer-influenced network, and further unifies the company's online and TV platforms by having each Web channel paired with a companion TV show."

Blah, blah, blah, it's kind of a convoluted explanation, don't you think? They could have simply said that the company wasn't making enough money.

Meanwhile, nobody is owning up to the rumor that additional layoffs are coming in January.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.