Own restructures network ops, cuts staff

MUMBAI: Own: Oprah Winfrey Network has announced a restructuring of its network operations in Los Angeles and New York. The organisation has eliminated 30 positions and redistributed those responsibilities among the network and venture partners, Discovery Communications and Harpo Studios. Thirty positions have been cut.

Own CEO, chief creative officer Oprah Winfrey said, "It is difficult to make tough business decisions that affect people?s lives but the
economics of a start-up cable network just don?t work with the cost structure that was in place. As CEO, I have a responsibility to chart the course for long-term success for the network. To wholly achieve that success, this was a necessary next step."

Winfrey became Own CEO, chief creative officer eight months ago, and tapped her Harpo leadership team, Erik Logan and Sheri Salata as presidents. The new management team has been reviewing the best structure and organisational design for the long term.

Logan said, "We have been on the air for 15 months, and since September we have gained momentum in ratings and viewership.
Restructuring our business will allow us to build a solid foundation for long-term growth."

As part of the restructuring, Neal Kirsch, a long-time Discovery executive and CFO of Discovery?s US networks, will be moving to Own as COO, CFO reporting directly to Logan and Salata. In addition, Own VP, business and legal affairs Tina Perry will now oversee the department and partner with Discovery executive VP, global production management, business and legal affairs Lee Bartlett.

Own VP, production Michelle Holt will now oversee production management; and Discovery senior VP, marketing, ad sales Ian Parmiter will oversee integrated marketing for Own.