fired

When Good News Is Bad News: Google Reportedly Fires Raise Leaker

Peter Kafka in Media on November 10, 2010 at 2:31 pm PT

Google couldn’t possibly think it could hand out checks to 23,000 people and keep it a secret. Right?

Photobucket Layoffs Today: One-Third of Staff Let Go; Other FIM Units Also Impacted

Kara Swisher in News on June 25, 2009 at 2:19 pm PT

The layoffs at Fox Interactive Media moved on to Photobucket today, as one-third of its staff of about 120 were let go, sources close to the situation said. The photo- and video-hosting service was bought for $250 million in mid-2007 by News Corp. A FIM spokesperson confirmed the layoffs after being contacted by BoomTown, but declined to give specific numbers. But sources told me a total of about 75 people were fired.

News Corp. Gives a “Wolverine” Review a Thumbs Down. Way, Way Down.

Peter Kafka in Media on April 6, 2009 at 4:18 am PT

Fox News columnist Roger Friedman loves the new “X-Men” movie with Hugh Jackson. But his employers hate his review, which is based on an unfinished version that leaked to the Web last week. It may cost him his job.

How It Feels to Be Fired Carol Bartz-Style: "Amazing"

Kara Swisher in News on February 24, 2009 at 2:22 am PT

A few weeks ago, BoomTown got a rather compelling email from Marion Vermazen, who once worked at Sun Microsystems with new Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz–and where Bartz actually fired Vermazen. Her take on the experience? “Amazing,” said Vermazen, given how Bartz handled it herself–driving 30 minutes to Vermazen’s office–in a very straightforward way. In other words, a kinder, classier Donald Trump “Apprentice” style, but without the cameras and bad hair. It’s instructive now, given that Bartz is likely to have to give several big Yahoo execs the heave-ho in the days ahead as she unveils her new management structure soon.

Charlie Rose Gives His Laid-Off Employees an On-Air Salute

Peter Kafka in Media on December 22, 2008 at 2:08 pm PT

There’s no good way to get fired, and a fond farewell from the TV program that just fired you won’t help pay your COBRA. But it’s better than a kick in the pants.