Discovery Communications, a Bethesda, Md.-based cable programming company that which employs 4,300 staffers worldwide has cut about 50 positions (about 1% of the work force) and plans to scale back on
trade shows as well as its consumer products division and corporate operations. Discovery spokesman David Leavy said that the layoffs are unrelated to the economic downturn. "We're just trying to be
more efficient and effective," he said. Neither programming nor ad sales were affected by the cuts.
