Breaking: NBC lays off teams of journalists focused on marginalized communities, ending NBC Out & NBC BLK

"The move is part of a reorganization that separates MSNBC from NBC News under a new entity called Versant. Executives described the decision as an efficiency measure to eliminate overlap and streamline operations across NBCUniversal's news division. But it also dismantles the network's identity-based teams: NBC BLK, NBC Latino, NBC Asian America, and NBC OUT. NBC News told The Wrap that stories about those communities will now be "integrated" into the broader newsroom."

"Critics, however, warn that such integration often results in fewer stories and diminished focus on marginalized voices. The change arrives after a period of turbulence within NBC and its affiliates. In February, Rachel Maddow publicly rebuked MSNBC's leadership for canceling programs hosted by Joy Reid and Alex Wagner, both of whom are nonwhite. Maddow condemned the network for eliminating its nonwhite prime-time hosts, calling the move "indefensible" and voicing deep concern for staff and morale."

"In May, MSNBC, which will be rebranded MS NOW, launched The Weekend show featuring Jonathan Capehart, Eugene Daniels, and Jackie Alemany-Capehart and Daniels being out gay Black men-raising expectations for new paths in diversity and inclusion in mainstream cable news. Now, the dismantling of the identity desks at NBC Universal, MSNBC's former parent company, stands in stark contrast to that recent momentum."

NBC News laid off about 150 employees, roughly 7 percent of its newsroom, and dissolved dedicated editorial teams covering Black, Latino, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities. The change is part of a reorganization that separates MSNBC from NBC News under a new entity called Versant; executives framed the decision as an efficiency measure to eliminate overlap and streamline operations. NBC News said stories about those communities will be integrated into the broader newsroom. Critics warned that integration often yields fewer stories and diminished focus on marginalized voices, raising concerns about reduced coverage, staff morale, and a rollback of recent diversity momentum.

Read at Advocate.com