A+E Networks discharged to various departments in longevity, emergency and history

A+E Networks underwent a series of staff cuts on Tuesday, with every division of the company — including programming, marketing and public relations at Lifetime, A&E and History, among others — affected by the layoffs. Among those who let go, Variety has confirmed that Lifetime senior VP of unscripted development and programming Amy Savitsky has left the company.

“We thank our departing employees for their tremendous contributions to our company,” an A+E Networks spokesperson said in a statement. In addition, A+E declined to share a specific figure on the number of employees who would leave as part of the cuts.

The layoffs at A+E Networks are part of an overall industry downturn, especially in the cable industry. The news comes on the same day that Paramount Global began its plan to lay off about 15% of its US-based workforce, including the closure of the Paramount TV Studios division.

A+E Networks departures include Lifetime vice presidents Kim Chessler and Cat Rodriguez, as well as History unscripted programming VP Zach Behr and A+E programming VP Peter Tarshis, a 31-year veteran who served as executive producer on his landmark “Biography.” -series.

Savitsky took on her most recent role in 2022; Previously, she was senior vice president of development and programming for History, where she oversaw the channel’s development and served as executive producer on series including “The Proof Is Out There” and “The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters.” She previously served as senior vice president of development and programming for A&E, where she was responsible for overseeing some of the network’s most critically acclaimed series, including “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and “Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole ‘.

Chessler, meanwhile, had been with Lifetime since 2010, while Rodriguez joined in 2019. Behr first joined the company in 2011.

Deadline was the first to report the layoffs at A+E Networks.