A rogue employee at music publication Billboard has gone out with a bang by publicly protesting the outlet’s huge coronavirus-related layoffs.
Earlier this week, the magazine’s parent company Valence Media announced it would lay off 35% of its newsroom staff at publications including Billboard, Hollywood Reporter and Vibe magazine.
On Wednesday, one employee took the opportunity to tell the public how they really felt by publishing a sneaky article on the Billboard website.
“In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Valence Media has decided to lay off their entire web IT staff. Effective today,” the article began.
“The online Billboard Charts are essentially perfect, so IT staff are no longer needed. Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life… #SavingABuckAtYourExpense.”
https://twitter.com/zackwhittaker/status/1250260682374864897
The article, which was taken down shortly after it went live, also featured a picture of Kent “Flounder” Dorfman from the 1978 film National Lampoon’s Animal House.
In a statement published by Deadline, Valence co-CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk said they did not anticipate any further layoffs.
“The greatest impact was on our Media division, which underwent layoffs and a restructuring, part of which was a response to advertising market conditions and part of which was an acceleration of actions that were planned for 2020-2021,” they said.
“For all those who transitioned out of the company, we provided severance packages which included six months of extended health care, among other benefits.”
A bunch of other Billboard staff made more traditional farewell remarks on Twitter.
Today my entire team, myself included, was laid off at Billboard. In my time there I feel super blessed that I was able to gain so much. I’m not one for fear but I’m definitely scared of the year to come & will do my best to stay the positive, faithful & giggly person I am 🦋✨🙏🏽
— lauren elizabeth ✨ (@misslaurenla) April 15, 2020
Myself & a ton of INCREDIBLY talented folks at Billboard/VIBE were laid off today. I truly don’t know how to feel, but I’m grateful for giving Billboard a voice they were missing two years before I got there. Taking a mental break, but I’ll share when I’m ready to freelance 💜
— Pusha Bi. (@BiancaEnRogue) April 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/hilmonstah/status/1250150211877470208
Today myself & many colleagues at Billboard, Vibe & THR were laid off. I’m very proud of what we did in my 7 years at Billboard & ready to keep writing, editing, podcasting, creating. Hit me up for all things freelance (music, culture, sports, etc). Email & website are in bio 🙂
— Chris Payne (@cpayneonaplane) April 14, 2020
I’m not even sure how to type this. I was laid off today with countless others at Billboard. It has been such a joy getting to know so many people in the industry & covering country music and Nashville. My email is in my bio as I try to figure out next steps.
— Annie Reuter (@yousingiwrite) April 14, 2020
