Thread regarding ViacomCBS layoffs

Cancel Chris McCarthy

Chris McCarthy and his team of senior executives have created a hostile workplace at Paramount Global and it has to stop!

Under McCarthy’s leadership, Paramount has devolved into a culture of fear, toxicity, chaos, gaslighting, wasteful spending, dysfunction, nepotism, and racism.

In partnership with Nina Diaz and Amy Campbell, they have laid waste to a once vibrant culture and destroyed everything and everyone in their wake, including employee mental health and well-being.

Together with Justin Russel, Francesca Batista, Timothy Livezey, Sharyn Flanagan, Robert Postotnik and more, the MTV Entertainment Studios team has subject employees to consistent and pervasive mental abuse. These abuses have gone largely unchecked and covered up by Paramount HR and Legal, but it’s time to expose McCarthy and his team for bad behavior.

Please share your thoughts and stories anonymously. This is a safe space.

Thank you.

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| 47499 views | | 218 replies (last July 26) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1ul6CsEJ

218 replies (most recent on top)

To The Other Side, We just need a space to vent because we’ve been deeply traumatized by working for CmC and his minions. This is our therapy.

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Post ID: @2gff+1ul6CsEJ

I’d get a new therapist if after two years they haven’t recommended getting a new job.

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Post ID: @2qfe+1ul6CsEJ

To The Other Side, this is not just Gen Z whining, this is a fed up group of talented people. You’re proving the points people are making by coming in and bullying people to try and get them to stop.

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Post ID: @2ysb+1ul6CsEJ

i find it interesting that a post was deleted this morning relating to a 2020 variety article where ALL the comments were deleted. does anyone know who was responsible for that?

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Post ID: @2ekv+1ul6CsEJ

The post on X platform is getting momentum!

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Post ID: @2epx+1ul6CsEJ

A few words about Larry & Moe…

George – CBS should be called the Cheeks Broadcasting System. Ever notice when the network is broadcasting major tentpole events (Grammys, GG, Tony’s, etc.) there is always two to three lingering shots of George in the audience? Every.single.broadcast. CBS News was on the upswing, but his disastrous management decisions and obsession with budget cutting has once again pushed it into the basement.

Brian – this dude should be nowhere near this company much less running the movie studio given his ties to the scandal involving DS on the Nick side. His attempts to ensure he didn’t show up in the documentary speaks volumes. He doesn’t know how to handle a movie studio and the fact some of the best IP (e.g. Star Trek) languishes in he-l shows an utter lack of leadership.

The fact the three of them have the ba--s to sit there and talk about cutting costs due to duplicative work etc. ki-led irony.

As for Curly and MTVE –

Can’t speak to the Francesca/Tim situation, but the fact Nina and Elena are both high level executives reporting into Chris and have their jobs because of Daddy would raise major alarm bells anywhere else. But not here. Nepotism rules the day.

As for favorites, there’s the aforementioned Diaz sisters, the already discussed marketing/PR sycophants – so glad someone finally called out Fabs. Going from Director to SVP in record time and getting accolades for others’ work, not surprised at all. Speaking of record position climbing, we have Emanuel Z who one day is suddenly a VP for no other professional reason than kissing up to CmC and who contributes, zero, zilch, nada to any meeting or project. The man literally has no genuine ideas and has made work worse for several teams with his nonsensical input. He is nothing but a wannabe, but hey like Fabs, he gets the shoutouts from Chris.

Finally, we mustn’t forget those special MTVE producers who seem to have special dispensation to pi$$ away the company’s money and put it in legal jeopardy to meet their super-special creative visions – Nina’s pet Adam G., 495 Productions, Superjacket and 101 Studios. If our leadership had any courage, they would at least attempt to reign this $h!t in. But nah, they cower in fear because they lack any true business skills.

While I will acknowledge Nina’s earlier hits in her career, nothing she has done as a senior executive has translated to success. I’m not even sure what her job currently entails aside from protecting Chris and massaging his ego. I do know she’s extremely racist having personally witnessed three(!) separate incidents and having a colleague who witnessed several others. (I would love to share details but doing so would reveal our identities as I reported this anonymously and did discuss the with people who read this site.)

The number of times in recent years where work has been held up because “we have to run by Nina/waiting to hear from Nina…” is legendary. Thumb twiddling until she deems it necessary to provide feedback – usually at the very last minute, then we’re all scrambling to implement her ideas.

Why Chris chose her over Pam Post is indefensible. But, I do know why – Pam is a creative, smart, great leader who treats people well and doesn’t put up with b.s. She was a major threat to Chris and his sycophants, so of course she had to go. The same would apply to Kent A and several others who are no longer with us. Let us not forget him running off talent – Trevor Noah, heck even RuPaul took his non-DR shows elsewhere because of this man.

I co-sign the other comments about Chris not being fired after the TRL debacle. He has no original ideas aside from “resurrecting” old IP. A reminder – he stated in several interviews he was a numbers guy and not a creative one (a big red flag if ever there was one). He inherited Drag Race, Yellowstone, South Park from other executives and it’s amazing – despite his best efforts – they weren’t destroyed.

He did destroy TVLAND, LOGO and CMT by financially starving them and transforming each into networks showing reruns of sitcoms from over 40 years ago. He took a crown jewel in the Smithsonian Channel and turned it into trash – reruns of airplane crashes. Finally, the pièce de resistance, the utter destruction of MTV, turning it into the Ridiculousness Channel. I look forward to the disaster of the upcoming VMA’s where the only people showing up are those thirsty enough to appear for free or cents on the dollar.

Then there are the legendary stories of weekend/holiday calls, working on Christmas, the fussing over drapery colors and pillows on sets as well as the last minute changes to logos and other key artwork.

We can’t forget his attempted coup to takeover BET which he thankfully lost.

It has been internally discussed that part of his longevity here is due to protection from Bob and more importantly, Shari Redstone liking him.

As for HR, the fact Nancy P has a guaranteed contract with guaranteed bonus while we’re cost cutting speaks volumes as to the craziness we currently face.

Finally, part of me believes some of this wouldn’t have happened had Sumner relinquished control earlier on and/or Shari had maybe some decent therapy to deal with her daddy issues.

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Post ID: @2yzg+1ul6CsEJ

I need to be the whistleblower against the whistleblower. I received a text message in a group chat asking everyone to please comment something negative about Chris McCarthy. I was even sent generated responses from this person.

The fact that this generation is full of such hatred and spite when things don’t go their way is beyond comprehension.

You cannot expect to try and drag someone through the mud and beg people to join you.

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Post ID: @2rnk+1ul6CsEJ

It's hard to pick just one terrible thing that Chris has done. My pick is the time he demanded a senior employee come into the office on Christmas. When this was not possible for obvious reasons, he told Amy that he didn't want to ever see that person in the building again.

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Post ID: @2agr+1ul6CsEJ

Found this post on 3M’s forum board, it might shed some light on things regarding deletions.

When you post here, on Glassdoor or on any other social media, you can bet that HR is reading it cause it’s their job to read anything written about 3M, but they lack the power to remove these posts since they don't own or control these platforms.
HR can only flag posts that are illegal or breach the platform's rules, and only if that turns out to be true, the post gets pulled by site mods/site owners.
To ensure your post remains intact, make sure it complies with the platform’s rules: avoid offensive language, personal attacks, and naming non-executive individuals. When critiquing management, center your feedback on their performance rather than their appearance or personality.
And that’s how any of us can write a hush truth that doesn’t get taken down from social media.
Aug 21, 2023 by Anonymous | 14 reactions (+13/-1)
Post ID: @2rez+1obiG7vq
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Post ID: @2gwe+1ul6CsEJ

Tim and Francesca being married and on the same team is a huge conflict of interest. Someone mentioned travel, but she also pushes his mediocre creative thru approvals with Amy. There are still some really talented people on the team but it’s unfortunate that they are being overshadowed by these two with direct access to Amy and Chris. Tim is talentless and she’s a complete id--t. That SVP title is a joke because everyone knows she’s an overpaid, glorified executive assistant - a bad one might I add.

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Post ID: @2ikr+1ul6CsEJ

What has Chris McCarthy done? Reboots don't count.

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Post ID: @2dmu+1ul6CsEJ

Did Amy Campbell ever assign a white creative director to lead Black History Month? I bet she wouldn’t dare to do that. If she did, she’d get fired on the spot. So how come it’s okay to do that to Asians? Oh yeah, when it comes to Asians, it’s not called racism! Just poor judgment? Please don’t give her good excuse.

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Post ID: @2rhm+1ul6CsEJ

How Chris survived the complete and utter failure of the TRL “Reboot” is beyond me. And Bob Bakish defended him! (Bob’s first redflag as CEO) Oh wait, that’s all Chris knows how to do - reboot shows. How many seasons of sh---y reality shows do you really need? Hmm? Nina?

Classic Chris - meeting times are just an estimate. You have to wait until he is ready. Sometimes hours. Also, who changes a show logo on a whim a few days before the premiere date?!

He and most of his senior execs are all sycophants and toxic. Amy is completely unpleasant. And, yes, Liza is one of them too. The favoritism in her department is incredible - I’m looking at you, Fabs. And why did so many people leave after the PR Depts were merged?!

Remember this gem?! Liza was so proud. Talk about Ridiculousness.
https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/viacomcbs-chris-mccarthy-nina-diaz-1234827418/

That place is so toxic. MTV should have died a long time ago.

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Post ID: @2oim+1ul6CsEJ

Transcribing a screengrab from the Nov 2020 Variety article. This along with many other comments were deleted (probably Liza’s work.) Cheers to whoever wrote this four years ago, they are a soothsayer.

“I unfortunately work with these disgusting human beings on a daily basis. Everyone. I mean everyone hates them. They are awful to the people. They lie. They are covering up for them in HR, finance, and production. We spent months cooking the books before the merger to hide our massive overages. The only thing Chris can do is manipulate numbers. People need to speak up and tell Bakish the truth before all our jobs disappear. We are about the be the WeWork of TV.”

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Post ID: @2ged+1ul6CsEJ

Saw this on X now. Forbes’ reporter posted it.

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Post ID: @2mbn+1ul6CsEJ

I see someone has sent Liza this thread 🤡

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Post ID: @2ses+1ul6CsEJ

I’m not sure why these kids on here are so obsessed with Chris but Chris is quite possibly the best person for his job. Do you think they would put someone so “horrible” in the position he’s in now. Cmon gen z, you can’t cancel everyone who hurts your feelings.

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Post ID: @2rha+1ul6CsEJ

Awww did someone get their feelings hurt when they got laid off for under performing? 🤡

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Post ID: @2fnw+1ul6CsEJ

Paramount has launched an internal investigation over allegations of racism on Amy Campbell's team.

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Post ID: @2wsq+1ul6CsEJ

Liza Burnett Fefferman is the EVP and Head of Communications for MTV Entertainment Studios.

She is a chief architect behind protecting Chris McCarthy’s reputation and his history of psychological abuse toward employees.

It’s no surprise that Fefferman came from The Weinstein Company. She knows a thing or two about cover-ups.

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Post ID: @1vgj+1ul6CsEJ

Kent is Kent Alterman and the culture of the ENT group definitely died that day. A culture and legacy that traced its roots to legends like Doug Herzog, Van Toffler, Judy McGrath, Tom Freston, and Larry Divney. While Kent being passed over for Chris was sad for the employees who were left behind, sadder for everyone who never knew the magic of working there BC (Before Chris) was his systematic dismantling of the brands viewers loved.

It’s tragic what’s happened to Comedy Central under his watch. How quickly he took it from a vibrant, urgent brand that gave voice to so many legendary comedians and turned it into a shell of itself, with only The Daily Show and South Park remaining (thanks for those greenlights, Doug), along with never-ending marathons of any and every animated series up for license - money that used to be allocated to original series that set culture, won Emmys, and launched careers.

Doug said it best in a post a few months ago, “it’s like watching your old high school burn down.” I’m just glad my time there ended before the wrecking ball came in. I feel awful for those who remain.

(And seriously, why haven’t more people been talking about Liza? She te--orized and drove away every PR staffer she inherited when Chris took over the merged groups. Not good.)

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Post ID: @1trd+1ul6CsEJ

Who has receipts for all the money that Amy Campbell has burned through for Yellowstone marketing? If you look up "wasteful spending" in the corporate dictionary, you'll see her picture.

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Post ID: @1vzq+1ul6CsEJ

Chris's leadership and terrible marketing decisions have resulted in creative that is millions of dollars over budget. Who is holding him accountable for burning cash while leadership preaches financial responsibility and cost cutting??

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Post ID: @1ibc+1ul6CsEJ

‘these mean-spirited, talentless and selfish people have made so much money //while destroying a once great company\ is deeply depressing.’

FTFY, DeadCow.

Did anybody save that longass epic post from like, 5 years ago where somebody listed the proof of alllll the ways he is the opposite of ‘creative’? Of course, somebody, from the company, paid somebody who runs this site, to delete it, but, I hope somebody here saved it?

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Post ID: @1gva+1ul6CsEJ

Who remembers when Chris was furious about THR using this photo of him?

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/chris_mccarthy_h_15.jpg?w=2000&h=1126&crop=1

Whatever you do don’t share it! 🤣

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Post ID: @1ing+1ul6CsEJ

Labeling individuals who sought therapy due to severe humiliation from powerful coworkers as ‘weak’ is quite concerning. Are you perhaps part of the leadership team? Please leave us alone!

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Post ID: @1rkn+1ul6CsEJ

Is the streaming marketing team merging or being taken over by this team Some of the replies imply that ... what about + existing team and their leadership ? May be my answer to 9/24 status .

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Post ID: @1dwi+1ul6CsEJ

Weak! Y'all are too angry and full of complaints to be effective.

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Post ID: @1nlc+1ul6CsEJ

ENT brands are run by incompetent leadership without a vision or strategy. The place is run by insular, toxic legacy leaders backed by scared sycophants. There were a bunch of awesome people whose careers were stifled or sidelined by that place and deserved better. Skydance needs to clear house STAT!

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Post ID: @1nrn+1ul6CsEJ

Rumor has it that no one is/was allowed to have any personal items at their workspace under McCarthy's reign. Pretty telling, if true...

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Post ID: @1gld+1ul6CsEJ

These problems have been insidious for years. In all my years, I have never worked somewhere so political where people's bad behavior was not only overlooked, but encouraged so long as they stood in Chris's good graces. Anyone remember Kathi P.? That raging psychopath was given full permission to te--orize the MTV marketing division for YEARS and it went completely unchecked. People literally had to seek out therapy because of that lunatic!

That is just one example of Chris's incompetence. He drove out Pam Post in exchange for Nina Diaz, for Christ's sake. Just two instances of how the patients are running the asylum at 1515 Broadway.

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Post ID: @1kmv+1ul6CsEJ

Surprised no one has written about sycophant predator Keith Cox.

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Post ID: @1chj+1ul6CsEJ

I think you guys should unionize. Our brothers and sisters will project you. Take it from myself. Here 25+ years on the job.

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Post ID: @1tmd+1ul6CsEJ

Skydance should bring back Moonves to run the company and personally fire the pep boys. CBS was at its best with Leslie at the helm.

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Post ID: @1goo+1ul6CsEJ

I work on the MTV team and the nepotism is next level! Amy Campbell manages a married couple in Francesca Batitsa and Timothy Livezey. Conflict of interest?

Campbell has even sent Batista and Livezey to marketing shoots together using company funds. This is a conflict of interest!

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Post ID: @1put+1ul6CsEJ

Sadly this treatment exists in other very small corporate departments as well. Unfortunately I don't think it will change so do what you can to cope and take care of you.

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Post ID: @1ozh+1ul6CsEJ

Don’t forget - Tim and Francesca are married. Ha!

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Post ID: @1djd+1ul6CsEJ

I'd hope that this truly abhorrent behavior would dog these people for whatever follows after Paramount is finally put to sleep. But my fear is that in a Zaslav-led media industry they'll just continue to be rewarded. The fact that these mean-spirited, talentless and selfish people have made so much money while a once great company has been destroyed is deeply depressing.

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Post ID: @1zcy+1ul6CsEJ

I think anyone that can say anything remotely negative or unkind about Amy Campbell has a couple of sc--ws loose ORRRRR, unfortunately, just got laid off. Try and let go of that anger and negativity, it’s really heavy.

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Post ID: @1aom+1ul6CsEJ

McCarthy and the MTV team are a cancer on the organization. That cancer spread when he was given oversight of all entertainment brands in 2019 and all groups began reporting to him.

When Amy Cambell replaced Jason White as CMO, we hit a new low. I work on Campbell’s team and she is every bit the chaos agent that McCarthy is.

On Campbell’s watch, projects are over budget, off schedule, and in total disarray. The idea that she would be given further oversight of Nickelodeon and Paramount+ is an abomination. McCarthy and Campbell are both sociopaths.

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Post ID: @1yiv+1ul6CsEJ

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