11-13-13
When a big company purchases another big company, one way the new company saves money -- also known as synergies -- is with layoffs. Thursday, Nielsen began layoffs at the former Arbitron company. According to sources at the former radio ratings company a little less than half of the employees, or about 500, were fired yesterday. Former Nielsen CEO David Calhoun said at the time the deal was announced that there would be $20 million in cost synergies. In October, former Arbitron CEO Sean Creamer and Debra Delman, the former CFO were the first to go. Nielsen closed on the $1.26 Billion purchase of the radio ratings September 30.
Nielsen did not provide any specific names or departments but did send us the following statement: "As part of the integration of Nielsen Audio, Nielsen is implementing changes across the company to enhance growth and to align our resources to meet and exceed client needs. These changes will improve productivity and innovation for the benefit of our organization, clients, and shareholders."
(11/15/2013 12:32:23 PM)
There weren't only layoffs at Arbitron. Nielsen employees took a hit too.
(11/15/2013 12:31:47 PM)
There weren't only layoffs at Arbitron. Nielsen employees took a hit too.
(11/15/2013 7:17:45 AM)
I survived the "Black Monday" layoffs when Arbitron shut down the TV division, when we lost half of our total staff. That was a dark day, but Arbitron did the best they could to take care of those that were let go. I've transitioned over into a great job in radio because of my Arbitron career. Arbitron is a great incubator for some of the best minds in the industry. There is life after Arbitron, and it's good. Best of luck to all those that were let go.
(11/15/2013 6:00:42 AM)
I don't usually EVER like to hear of layoffs and I feel bad for the 'workers' of Arbitron. But I shed not one tear for those responsible for all of the horrible sampling and inaccurate 'ratings' that cost on-air people jobs. Karma is an amazing thing.
(11/15/2013 5:42:23 AM)
My prayers are with the people who we're let go.
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