A view inside SiriusXM Studios on March 04, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Joining the likes of Spotify, Microsoft, and Google, SiriusXM on Monday said it's laying off 8 percent of its workforce, or about 475 employees, in response to flagging subscriber growth.
The satellite radio firm warned earlier this year that it was anticipating a drop off in subscribers due to widespread fears of a recession in 2023. At the same time, Sirius relies heavily on advertising revenue from car companies, which have seen weaker sales in recent months.
"We streamlined our non-headcount costs by reducing content and marketing spend, decreasing our real estate footprint, and most recently, implementing tighter restrictions in our Travel and Entertainment policy," CEO Jennifer Witz said in a letter to staff. "However, today’s decision to reduce our workforce was required in order for us to maintain a sustainably profitable company."
She added that "nearly every department across SiriusXM will be impacted" as the company implements a new, more streamlined organizational structure.
Employees getting laid off will receive exit packages that include "severance, transitional health insurance benefits, Employee Advocacy Program continuation, and outplacement services."
"Today is one of the most difficult days we’ve had to face as a team, and these changes impact each of us deeply," wrote Witz. "However, it is my belief that these tough decisions were necessary as we look to capture the opportunity in front of us."
A new report said the private sector added 103,000 jobs in November while refinance applications climb as mortgage rates dip. Plus, the FTC is once again looking to block the Microsoft-Activision deal and McDonald's is looking to buy 10,000 new locations by 2027.
Fans of the Grand Theft Auto series got a glimpse of the latest release that's not due out until 2025. The trailer was officially released after a leak on the 'X' platform, giving an idea to industry experts of the massive effect GTA will have on the gaming sector. Cheddar News senior reporter Michelle Castillo breaks it all down.
Tax season is around the corner as soon as we conclude the holiday festivities. Mark Steber, chief tax information officer with Jackson Hewitt, joined Cheddar News to discuss some tax changes that people should be aware of and what to expect during next year's tax filing season.
