Tudum, Netflix’s fan-oriented editorial site, only launched last December but the streamer has now laid off its staff and contractors.
The lay-offs come after Netflix reportedly lost subscribers for the first time in a decade. The streamer is still expecting to lose up to 2 million subscribers in the coming months.
While Netflix declined to comment exactly how many people were let go, they did tell The Rolling Stone: “Our fan website Tudum is an important priority for the company.”
Tudum was created as a site to cover Netflix’s own releases and provide more content for fans. It seemed more like a marketing tool than a real journalistic outlet, but it recruited a bunch of experienced journalists to its ranks anyway. The site got its name from the recognisable sound Netflix makes when fired up.
Netflix recruited me seven months ago only to lay me and a bunch of other talented people off today. I’m going to take time off to just exist, so please get in touch if you’ll have editing and content strategy opportunities open after August. EvetteDionneWriter@gmail.com
— Evette Dionne (@freeblackgirl) April 28, 2022
It’s yet another devastating blow to the streamer that seems to be losing steam. The employees that were laid off took to Twitter to air their anger and grievances of being hired and let go within months, leaving many struggling to survive.
It remains to be seen if Netflix ever revives Tudum or manages to pull back some of the subscribers it lost. Meanwhile, Disney+ is catching up to the original streamer giant, although its Marvel series isn’t reportedly pulling in as many new subscribers as expected.
