Microsoft Yanks 10 Online Programs

Fri., Feb. 28, 1997

From Staff And Wire Reports

Microsoft’s quest to make its online network more like television has succeeded in at least one respect: The network’s “shows” apparently are vulnerable to sudden yanking just like programs produced in Hollywood.

Employees learned recently that about 10 of the two dozen shows on the Microsoft Network, or MSN, Microsoft’s computer online service, will be canceled this spring, and scores of contract workers will lose their jobs. The notification came via an e-mail memo from managers with no explanation of why individual shows were canceled.

Microsoft officials said an estimated 100 to 200 temporary workers would lose their jobs. However, they said the move does not mean Microsoft is scaling back its online effort.

The shows, online content with story lines, were part of a splashy relaunch of MSN last fall.

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Microsoft Yanks 10 Online Programs

Jesse Tinsley

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