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BuzzFeed To Shutdown Its News Division With Top Executives And 15% Of Its Workforce On The Way Out

Have you ever received a gift that you did not want? Like it was just all-around bad? Well, that’s many people’s sentiment about this current job market. It’s dishing out notices no one wants to hear, such as layoffs and downsizing. And BuzzFeed is the latest to announce changes in its workforce.

Apr 20, 2023

GM of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment Janet Rollé Becomes First Woman and POC to Serve On BuzzFeed's Board

Janet Rollé, general manager of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, has just made history. According to Variety, CEO and founder of BuzzFeed, Jonah Peretti, announced that Andreessen Horowitz’s partner, Chris Dixon will step down from the company’s board of directors since his arrival in 2014. As of result, the company has appointed Rollé to its board making her the first woman and the first person of color to serve. The news comes just two weeks following BuzzFeed’s plans to purchase HuffPost from Verizon Media. “The common thread through Janet’s dynamic career is the ability to nurture and evolve great brands and to build and strengthen their relationships with diverse audiences, ” wrote Peretti in the memo. “Janet joins our board at a time when that is critically important for BuzzFeed especially as we welcome HuffPost into the BuzzFeed network. Janet’s experience in brand management and news media will be incredibly valuable.” Other board members of the company include execs from...

Dec 3, 2020

BuzzFeed Inks First-Look Deal With Universal TV to 'Elevate Underrepresented Voices'

Media giant and entertainment company BuzzFeed is looking to expand its reach in the industry. The millennial outlet has secured a first-look deal with Universal Television this week, with a focus on developing scripted series projects based on its original published content and reporting from its journalists, Variety reports . “We are excited to join forces with UTV, an acclaimed studio with a proven track record producing series across network, cable and streaming platforms, to tap into the vast portfolio of BuzzFeed IP and elevate underrepresented voices,” said Charlotte Simms, TV development manager at Buzzfeed, in a statement . “This partnership is the foundation for building a television presence for BuzzFeed with projects that leverage our global audiences, our award-winning journalism and engaging entertainment content, and our ability to drive awareness at scale.” According to Deadline , the two entities have already hit the green-light on their first project inspired by...

Aug 26, 2020

Was The TikTok CEO A Former Meta Intern?

Everyone loves a good story about a career “come-up,” and Shou Zi Chew has one that includes an unexpected stop: a brief internship at Meta (then called Facebook). While most know Chew as the CEO of TikTok, his career path holds some interesting twists that shaped the leader he is today. According to Fortune magazine, Chew spent a short stint at Meta in 2009 while at Harvard Business School. This was during a time of rapid growth for the company under founder Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership. For Chew, the experience offered a firsthand look at the challenges of scaling a tech platform globally. Immersed in the fast-paced environment, he gained valuable insights that would later influence his leadership approach. From Meta Intern To TikTok CEO Chew’s time at Meta may have been short, but it was an important stepping stone in his career. After completing his MBA at Harvard Business School, he went on to work at Goldman Sachs and later DST Global, where he contributed to securing...

Jan 23, 2025

Quinta Brunson 'Mainly Needed A Job' Before 'Abbott Elementary' — Today, She's Set To Make At Least $350K Per Episode

Quinta Brunson, creator of “Abbott Elementary,” has received a major pay increase for her role in the show. Premiered via ABC on Dec. 7, 2021, the Emmy-winning sitcom took inspiration from her sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Abbott, who was instrumental in helping her navigate a new school after attending the one where her mother taught for five years, according to NPR. “I was scared to go into the real world or what I looked at as the real world at the time, and [Ms. Abbott] just took me under her wing,” Brunson, who plays Janine Teagues, told the outlet. “She was an incredible teacher who put her all into it, making sure that her students felt special and were ready for the world.” “Abbott Elementary,” depicts the experience of attending a Philadelphia, PA, school in a predominantly Black area. Its humor has been the superpower of the mockumentary-style show, supported by Brunson — who also serves as executive producer and a co-writer — and her castmates, including Tyler James Williams...

Sep 20, 2024

A Look Inside Jackie Aina's Empire: How The Digital Creator Left The Military, Made Millions, And Amassed 3.5M Subscribers On YouTube Alone

By capitalizing on her status as a leading beauty influencer, Jackie Aina has built the foundation for a prosperous business empire. How It Started Aina, a Nigerian-American born in California’s San Gabriel Valley, came from humbling beginnings. BuzzFeed News mentions she has six siblings, with an even split between brothers and sisters. She recalls “growing up with nothing” at times, bouncing around shelters with her mother and siblings. “Growing up, I had no leverage, I had no rich uncle,” she said, per the outlet. “We got kicked out of a shelter, we couldn’t get to another one quick enough. And when you’re a mom of seven, It’s not easy.” To change her outcome, Aina studied medicine at the California State University, Business Insider reported. That route did not pan out for Aina, and she made the decision to serve in the Army in 2008, after being convinced by her then-boyfriend. They would marry — although they later divorce — and she moved to Hawaii to live with him where she...

Sep 9, 2024

How Bozoma Saint John Became A Business Boss And Stacked A $30 Million Net Worth

Bozoma Saint John may not be a household name for the average media consumer, though her contributions to the marketing industry have touched nearly every corner of the market. If you’ve ever used an Apple product , taken an Uber, drank a Pepsi, or binge-watched something on Netflix, you may have unknowingly been impacted by Saint John’s advertising techniques. The illustrious businesswoman has held numerous positions and developed something of a reputation for being poached by top brands in very brief intervals. Today, Bozoma Saint John has an estimated net worth of over $30 million, according to NetWealth , making her one of the most highly sought-after women in marketing. So, let’s explore what makes Bozoma Saint John so effective in her field, and unpack the many avenues she has utilized to exacerbate her tremendous wealth. Without any further preamble, let’s dive into the net worth and earnings of the respected executive, and dissect her business strategies. Who Is Bozoma Saint...

May 28, 2024

West Philadelphia Native Quinta Brunson To Receive An Honorary Degree From Temple University

Quinta Brunson’s rise in entertainment continues to gain recognition. According to a news release, the Philadelphia, PA, native is set to receive an honorary degree from the city’s Temple University. She will first be presented with the 2024 Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award for her efforts to uplift underrepresented voices in entertainment on Tuesday, May 7, per CBS News. During the commencement ceremony the following day, she will serve as the school’s commencement speaker and receive her honorary degree. “I am simply honored,” Brunson said i n the news release. Temple President Richard M. Englert, shared in a statement: “We are thrilled to recognize Quinta Brunson for her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to her craft. Quinta embodies the spirit of Temple’s commitment to creativity, innovation and social impact. Her talent, authenticity and trailblazing spirit inspire us all.” For Brunson, recognized for her successful ABC series “Abbott Elementary,” where...

Mar 22, 2024

What America Can Learn From Japan’s Workplace Dynamics

Balancing work and personal life is a universal aspiration in the changing workforce across industries. From watching the daily routines of influencers or the rise of remote work, how our jobs are viewed worldwide has significantly shifted in the last few years. Yet Japan , renowned for its unique cultural nuances, offers a distinct perspective on leadership and workplace culture. A deeper exploration reveals that these cultural subtleties within their country play a pivotal role in shaping professional relationships. Dedication Beyond Boundaries Japanese professionals embody an unwavering work ethic and organizational commitment. Punctuality and dedication are highly valued, often leading to extended working hours as a sign of devotion deeply embedded in their culture. In the U.S., many job seekers prioritize work-life balance and personal time for family and social connections. This creates a distinct contrast in values compared to their Japanese counterparts. Dress Code In The...

Feb 9, 2024

How Quinta Brunson Went From Thinking She'd Live In An Apartment All Her Life To Building A Multi-Million-Dollar Empire

A glow-up is often defined as a critical point in a person’s life when things change for the better. And witnessing a person’s glow-up is inspiring and motivating for those following people for quite some time. One clear example of a glow-up with the culture standing on its proverbial feet is that of Quinta Brunson. Brunson, who was once known for her comedic skits and viral moments as a video producer for BuzzFeed, is an award-winning actress, director, and writer. Even before the BuzzFeed days, Brunson captivated audiences, displaying her comedic chops through impersonations. According to an interview with Glamour, Brunson would do impressions for her siblings while growing up in Philadelphia, PA. “Yeah, my brothers and sisters—they really liked to watch me imitate characters from their favorite shows. I don’t think I realized that I was doing impressions; it would just be like, “Quinta, say this.” And then I would say it, and I really enjoyed making them laugh,” Brunson stated....

Feb 8, 2024

What You Need To Know About Google's 2024 Layoffs

Following recent staff cuts in Google ‘s Augmented Reality (AR) division, the advertising sales team now faces additional layoffs, marking part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at improving the quality of ads customer service. This move aligns with an industry trend seen in significant job cuts at companies like Amazon and Duolingo in 2024. Google’s culture, it seems, goes beyond policies; it’s about employees’ sentiments, posing a profound challenge. In January 2023, Google implemented a substantial workforce reduction, cutting 12,000 employees, equivalent to approximately 6% of its workforce. The company notified affected US staff abruptly through an early-morning email, leading to expressions of dismay among some laid-off workers. The Layoffs Are Continuing To Unfold Anticipated next is Google’s CEO addressing employee concerns and sharing insights on recent developments, including details on layoffs and their potential impacts on various roles. The CEO’s decision to...

Jan 27, 2024

What The Wells Fargo Layoffs Mean For Jobs, Stocks, And Corporate Strategy

Wells Fargo remains under the spotlight as investors respond to the financial giant’s recent announcement of workforce reduction plans. The news, which surfaced in late 2023, revealed that Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf shared plans to cut the company’s workforce, anticipating severance costs ranging between $750 million to $1 billion during the fiscal fourth quarter of last year. This strategic move follows earlier layoffs at Wells Fargo disclosed last month, totaling 11,300 jobs or 4.7% of its workforce in 2023. The company’s approach under Scharf’s leadership aims to maintain a workforce presence near its various hubs across the United States. Why Are The Wells Fargo Layoffs Happening The decision to reduce headcount comes in the wake of Wells Fargo’s ongoing efforts to navigate challenges in the economic landscape. Last month, Scharf highlighted the necessity of these payments, citing the need for the company to adjust its workforce amid persistently low turnover rates. In...

Jan 19, 2024

From Megan Thee Stallion To Ashanti, Here Are 7 Artists Who Have Been Vocal About The Business Behind The Music

Artists experiencing delays in their music projects dropping is a tale as old as time. Back in 2013, Buzzfeed reported on the unfortunate reality of artists not being able to release their music including reasons like artists being mismanaged, the label focusing on competition, stalling on getting their music ready for radio, and more. But as a The Guardian report simply put it, “But to writers and artists, your songs are your babies. It’s only fair that you get them back if they’re not being looked after.” The industry continues to evolve with the times, yet still musicians — especially Black women artists — are subjected to constant pushback from their labels. Oftentimes, they are left with limited options on how to resolve the issue such as trying to part ways amicably. Another way to musical freedom that can be quite a hassle is acquiring their master recordings. As previously reported by AfroTech, the likes of Anita Baker, Rihanna, Ciara, and more used their voices to earn back...

Aug 15, 2022

Digital Black Face? This Company Places White Actors In Black Roles For Its VR Diversity Training

It’s a tale that’s as old as time, white people practicing Black face and not thinking twice about it! This time, it’s a tech company that provides human resource training to large corporations. They’re using white actors to portray people of color within sessions about diversity, equity, and inclusion — the audacity, right? According to BuzzFeed News, Mursion, a corporate education company, has created virtual reality simulations for various clients where hypothetical scenarios are conducted between the participant and an animated human avatar played by live human actors. Those human actors follow concise plans while also improvising where they use voice modulators and remote controllers to switch between characters. This feature means that the actors, known as “simulation specialists,” often play characters of races and genders that are not their own.

Dec 3, 2021

Janet Rollé To Lead As The First Black CEO Of The American Ballet Theatre

The American Ballet Theatre has a new Black leader that’s set to make history. Since the beginning of time, the world of ballet has been a white-dominated space. Now Janet Rollé is here to not only make history but also serve as proof that we belong in any space. According to CNN, Rollé will make history as the first Black person to lead the American Ballet Theatre, one of the country’s most prestigious ballet companies This is a dream come true for Rollé who credits her mother, a Jamaican immigrant, who introduced her to her first dance class at the age of eight, thus setting the tone for what would ultimately become a future career. “Through dance, I learned how to be a professional, the value of discipline and technique, and my love for the creative process,” said Rollé in an official statement. “These lessons have always been at the core of my professional life and work.” Previously, Rollé worked as the general manager for Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment for five years where...

Nov 29, 2021