Layoffs, perhaps....

It's been a tough year for in advertising for spot television. I walked into 2008 with a positive outlook. This year was supposed to have been better than 2007 and even stronger than 2006. Even with the promise of Olympics and political dollars, consumer confidence is not where it was this time last year. Advertisers are not spending money on television. Forecasting projections are that television advertising will fall 10-15% in 2009. All of which has left us with massive downsizing and much like the rest of the country, layoffs have become eminent. Yesterday, my manager and one of our sales assistant's were laid off. The economics of it, is that we already have one manager and because the Los Angeles office has down sized so much, that there is no need for another. We are essentially eliminated dualism. But on the other token, she was a great manager, I learn much from her, and she will be missed. I'm not sure why the sales assistant was laid off. That is a mystery to make that doesn't make sense. Nevertheless, they will both be missed.


With 2009's advertising forecast looking so grim, I wonder if this layoff will prevent other layoffs. Perhaps yes. Unfortunately, the operative word is "perhaps." There is no sure thing anymore. Which sadly, I have heard too much in 2008. No definite answers until the decision had already been made. Too many half truths, and weak strategy. Loss of employee confidence and loss of client confidence.


I try and look at the bright side. It's easy to be miserable especially in Los Angeles. Everyone is so over the top and dramatic. A product of the industry. I'm sad to admit that it sometimes rubs off on you. I have a job when so many do not. I consider myself fortunate that I have my health and I'm not living on the street. We should all be so lucky. (Especially since the wildfires in Yorba Linda and Sylmar have burned down hundreds of homes as I type right now).

-Kathy