People Inc. Lays Off 195 Staffers, About 6% of Workforce, as CEO Cites 'Rapid Changes in Media'

People Inc., the publisher behind People and Entertainment Weekly, is reducing its workforce by 195 employees, CEO Neil Vogel announced in an internal memo on Thursday. The layoffs, which affect staff across the company's offices, account for approximately 6% of its total headcount. Vogel attributed the cuts to 'rapid changes in media' and the need to adapt to evolving industry dynamics. This move follows a series of layoffs across the media landscape, as publishers grapple with shifting advertising revenues and digital transformation. The decision underscores the challenges facing legacy entertainment brands in maintaining profitability amid declining print readership and intense competition for digital audiences. Industry observers note that such restructuring efforts are becoming increasingly common as companies streamline operations to focus on high-growth areas. The impact on editorial coverage and brand strategy remains to be seen, but the reduction signals a strategic pivot toward more sustainable business models. For employees and readers alike, the layoffs highlight the ongoing volatility in the media sector.