WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: Verizon Begins its Largest-Ever Round of Layoffs

Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This episode of the TNB Tech Minute delivers rapid, high-impact tech news updates, centering on Verizon's announcement of its largest-ever round of layoffs. Other major topics include Nvidia’s impressive earnings and its impact on the tech market, and new multi-year media rights agreements for Major League Baseball with major streaming partners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Verizon’s Largest-Ever Round of Layoffs

• Announcement Details

  • Verizon will notify employees today about their employment status.
  • Over 13,000 jobs are being cut, described as the company’s “largest ever round of layoffs.”
  • The move aims to “aggressively reduce their entire cost base.” (00:37)

• Employee Support

  • Verizon’s CEO introduced a $20 million fund for reskilling and career transition.
  • The fund specifically prepares affected employees “for the age of artificial intelligence.” (00:53)

  Notable Quote:

  “Verizon will begin notifying employees today if they are affected by its largest ever round of layoffs. That’s according to an all-staff email… Verizon plans to lay off more than 13,000 employees in an effort to aggressively reduce their entire cost base.”
  — Zoe Culkin (00:38)

2. Nvidia Eases Market Jitters with Strong Earnings

• Financial Performance

  • Nvidia reported record sales and strong guidance yesterday.
  • Shares rose about 5% in pre-market trading as a result. (01:16)

• Industry Impact

  • Nvidia is seen as a bellwether for the health of the tech industry.
  • The report eased investor concerns after recent sell-offs in big tech.

  Notable Quote:

  “After Nvidia reported record sales and strong guidance yesterday, investors worried about the intense pace of the AI boom can now breathe a sigh of relief.”
  — Zoe Culkin (01:08)

  “Rarely has an earnings report from a single company been greeted with such nervous anticipation.”
  — Zoe Culkin (01:22)

3. Major League Baseball Strikes New Media Rights Deals

• Agreements by Network

  • ESPN (Disney): $550 million a year for broad streaming and game rights, including the ability to distribute the MLB streaming service. (01:38)
  • NBCUniversal: $200 million a year for Sunday Night Baseball, wildcard series, and exclusive Peacock games. (01:50)
  • Netflix: $50 million a year for season opening night and special one-off events. (01:57)

• Significance

  • These deals reflect the continued importance of streaming media for sports and growing competition among platform providers.

  Notable Quote:

  “Disney’s ESPN will pay around $550 million a year for a broad deal, including rights to sell and distribute the league streaming service MLB TV, a package of 30 national games per season, and more.”
  — Zoe Culkin (01:39)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Verizon will begin notifying employees today if they are affected by its largest ever round of layoffs… plans to lay off more than 13,000 employees…” (00:38)
• “After Nvidia reported record sales and strong guidance… investors… can now breathe a sigh of relief.” (01:08)
• “Rarely has an earnings report from a single company been greeted with such nervous anticipation.” (01:22)
• “Disney’s ESPN will pay around $550 million a year for a broad deal… NBCUniversal will pay roughly $200 million a year for Sunday Night Baseball… Netflix will pay around $50 million a year for rights to air a single game…” (01:39 – 01:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:33 – Episode begins; major headlines introduced
• 00:37 – Details on Verizon layoffs and reskilling fund
• 01:08 – Nvidia’s earnings and analysis
• 01:38 – Details on MLB’s new streaming/media rights agreements

Tone & Language

The coverage is brisk, direct, and info-rich, reflecting The Wall Street Journal’s authoritative reporting style. The tone welcomes listeners to fast, up-to-date insights on developments affecting tech employees, investors, and the intersection of tech and media.

For more tech news analysis and updates, tune in to the next edition of TNB Tech Minute.