Breaking: Essence Lays Off Digital Team

Via Journalsticks:  After relaunching their website last week, Essence magazine laid off its web team today citing budgetary reasons.

“They told us it was downsizing,” says one Essence employee. “We’re very confused. We worked so hard for the relaunch.”

Another insider tells J’sticks: “This is normal practice. Companies relaunch with new [site] schemes that allow them to do more with less, then they cut staff.”

In addition to letting go of the web team, Essence also let go of 4 Editors. Emil Wilbekin remains on staff as the Deputy Editor.

Story developing…

Updated 3:18pm: We are getting reports of about 10 were laid off, one was a Beauty Assistant for both print and digital, no word if she is included in the count for the layoffs in print.

Updated: 3:40pm: 4 cuts from Essence staff include: Fashion Assistant,Work & Wealth Assistant, one of 3 deputy editors and a special projects director who’s been with the magazine since the 70s.