MBA Career Outlook: Industry Recession Causes Job Cuts at Google

Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Google Layoffs Hit News Division Amidst Downsizing Trend in Online Platforms

In a move adding to the downsizing trend in online platforms and publishers, Google has laid off a number of employees in its news division this week. The exact number of job cuts remains unclear, with estimates ranging from 40 to 45 workers.

The Alphabet Workers Union spokesperson confirmed the job losses and highlighted the sensitivity of the timing for such downsizing in the news industry. With news playing a critical role in providing up-to-date and accurate information, any job cuts in this domain can be concerning.

A Google spokesperson acknowledged the cuts but did not provide an exact number. Emphasizing that there are still hundreds of employees working on the news product, they stated the company’s commitment to a vibrant information ecosystem and highlighted news as a part of its long-term investment.

Google emphasized that it had made internal changes to streamline its organization and that only a small number of employees were affected. The company assured that it was supporting the impacted employees with transition periods, outplacement services, and severance packages as they seek new opportunities within and outside of Google.

Google News, a popular tab that provides links to articles from numerous publishers and magazines, enables users to find top-ranked stories on specific topics. Hence, any changes or disruptions in the news division can have implications for the quality and accessibility of news for users.

These layoffs in Google’s news division come amidst a period of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as 20 months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both events have led to a surge in the spread of misinformation across the web, further highlighting the need for reliable news sources.

The timing of the job cuts underscores the increased importance of trustworthy news sources, like Google, in providing accurate and timely information to users. As the world grapples with global crises and misinformation, maintaining a robust news division becomes imperative.

Despite the job cuts, Google remains committed to news and assures users that it will continue to provide a dependable platform for accessing news from various sources. As the digital landscape evolves, it is crucial for online platforms to adapt and invest in reliable news reporting to meet the growing needs of their users.