A+E Networks underwent a round of staff layoffs, impacting the divisions of programming, marketing and public relations at outlets including Lifetime, A&E and History. Among those let go, Amy Savitsky, SVP Unscripted Development and Programming at Lifetime, as well as VPs Kim Chessler and Cat Rodriguez, have departed the company.
The A+E Networks layoffs come as part of an overall industry downsizing, particularly in the cable industry. This news came after Paramount Global began its plan to lay off around 15% of its U.S.-based workforce, including the shutdown of its Paramount TV Studios division. “We thank our employees who are departing for their enormous contributions to our company,” stated an A+E Networks spokesperson.
Other major A+E Networks executives departing include History unscripted programming VP Zach Behr and A+E programming VP Peter Tarshis, a 31-year veteran who served as an exec producer on its signature “Biography” series.
Savitsky took on her most recent role in 2022; prior to that, 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 was formerly the senior vice president of development and programming for A&E, where she was responsible for overseeing some of the network’s most acclaimed series, including “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” and “Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole.”
Chessler has been at Lifetime for 14 years, having joined in 2010. She oversaw development and production on series including “Dance Moms” as well as its spinoffs and shows such as docuseries “Preachers’ Daughters” and “Atlanta Plastic.” Before joining A+E Networks, she was at Oxygen for 10 years.
Rodriguez joined Lifetime in 2019 and oversaw shows including "Supernanny," "Little Women: Atlanta" and "Marrying Millions." She previously produced “LA Ink” with Kat Von D, before producing “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
Behr, who has been with the company since 2011, has overseen series such as “Pawn Stars,” “Swamp People,” “Top Gear” and “Counting Cars,” and also developed its hit survival format “Alone.” He previously was at MTV.
Tarshis has executively produced a number of series such as “Cold Case Files,” “American Justice,” “The First 48,” “Alaska PD” and “The Toe Bro.”