Golf Channel Lays Off About 3% Of Its Workforce Amid Original Production Cost Cuts

Golf Channel on Friday "laid off about 30 employees," or 3% of its workforce, according to Martin Kaufmann of GOLFWEEK. Most of the layoffs "came in Golf Channel’s original-production division and related positions" and "indicate a reduction in costly programming that has a limited shelf life or use on the channel’s website." Golf Channel "recently has been trying to rationalize the costs of some of its original programming." A company spokesperson said that the channel "will continue to produce its 'Feherty' talk show and larger documentaries." Long-running reality show "Big Break" is "on hold as Golf Channel searches for a viable production and sponsorship model." A new reality show entitled "Altered Course," which debuts June 15, "will air as planned." But the spokesperson suggested that "it also will undergo the same cost rationalizations." The spokesperson added that no on-air talent were "affected by the cutbacks" ( GOLFWEEK.com, 5/30 ).