With about a month remaining before a network-set deadline, an estimated 150 persons have agreed to accept Capital Cities/ABC's voluntary buyout program, which was offered to its non-union personnel.
ABC Television Network employees not covered by a union contract have until Feb. 15 to accept or decline the company's voluntary buyout offer.
According to sources at the company, the original goal was to eliminate up to 500 positions from the budget, though that number has been deemed inaccurate by other sources knowledgeable about the plan.
Buyout offers, sent out to staffers before the end of December, reach into virtually every division and management level of the network.
Some sources suggested that the number of positive responses had grown to more than 200, although someone closer to the tally said the figure was nearer to 150.
An ABC spokeswoman declined comment on the matter.
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