Viz Contracts Again
Following an unspecified number of staff layoffs in February 2009, Viz Media has again laid off a number of employees. Publishers Weekly reports that Viz Media laid off as many as 55 employees at its San Francisco headquarters and closed its New York branch that employed 5 people. Viz Media has confirmed a mass layoff, but has not confirmed the exact number of employees laid off. If Publishers Weekly’s numbers are correct, the downsize would account for roughly 40% of Viz Media’s staff.
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Always bad to hear an anime distribution company taking hits like this, but Viz I can understand. When I think of the book anime companies in America, Viz never stands out in my mind because while they hold some of the biggest franchises (Naruto, Bleach), they somehow remain low profile in their advertising, and I never see a variety of releases.
I personally think they should take a page out of Funimation’s book and vary their releases more, and they need to adapt more to changing market trends and get more active with digital distribution, especially with Naruto, which is probably the most fan sub series ever, and many casual fans who don’t really care how they get their fix are going to get their latest with fan subs. Streaming subtitled, commerical-sponsored episodes of Naruto with the Japanese release would help out tremendously and everyone would win.
You do realize that Viz has been streaming and simulcasting shows for sometime, including Naruto. In fact, they also simulcasted Inu Yasha the final act. They have digital streaming of virtually their entire catalog, including shows that never completed the TV runs.
Also, don’t forget that Viz also diversified it’s catalog with titles like Honey and Clover, I’s/I’s Pure, and Nana.
And don’t forget that Viz is primarily a manga distributor. For all extents and purposes, their anime division is only secondary to that. Though both divisions have been hit by declining sales and falling orders from retail partners.
VIZ Media has diversified, but a lot of their content still falls under shounen or shoujo genre listings; and I’m sure that applies to both manga and anime.
That said, it stinks they’ve had to slice so many jobs… that goes without saying.