BuzzFeed is reducing its workforce by about 35% after entrepreneur and comedian Byron Allen takes controlling ownership of the company. Multiple outlets report that the cuts affect employees and contractors across BuzzFeed’s brands. The Los Angeles Times says BuzzFeed is laying off 180 workers as part of the plan. Variety and Deadline similarly describe the reductions as roughly one-third of the company’s current workforce and contract roles.
The reporting links the decision to the ownership transition, noting that Allen bought a majority stake earlier this year and that the layoffs follow his deal to sell a controlling ownership interest. Deadline and Variety both quote BuzzFeed’s stated rationale, saying the workforce reduction is intended to streamline the organizational structure, optimize operating expenses, and move the company toward profitability and positive cash flow.
While BuzzFeed is cutting roles across its brands, the sources do not outline specific departments or regions affected beyond broadly describing company-wide changes. The layoffs are presented as part of a broader cost and operational restructuring under Allen’s ownership.
