• by Sara Guaglione , January 26, 2017

When asked for details, National Geographic EVP of communications and chief communications officer Laura Nichols would not confirm that number.

"The personnel changes made were part of an effort to realign resources and create efficiencies in line with an evolving media environment," she said.

Most of the cuts were made in the editorial and rights clearance departments, a National Geographic employee told Publishers Daily.

In October 2015, National Geographic laid off about 180 people, affecting roughly 9% of its 2,000 employees in a cost-cutting move. It was the largest round of job losses in the company’s 127-year history. According to The Washington Post, employees dubbed that month “Choptober.”

I n November of that year, 21st Century Fox bought the National Geographic Society and its media assets for $725 million, forming National Geographic Partners. Small staff cuts here and there have followed.

In the early 1990s, the company’s flagship publication boasted 15 million subscribers — that number is now closer to 3.5 million.

It is the season for layoffs at big publishing companies. Just yesterday, Gannett-owned North Jersey Media Group announced 141 employees will lose their jobs.

Earlier this month, as part of its ongoing reorganization of its sales and marketing departments, 30 staffers left Time Inc., including six senior sales and marketing executives.