Massachusetts Health Undersecretary Appointed; NBC News Cuts 150 Jobs

BREAKING: Massachusetts announces a significant leadership change as Amy Rosenthal is appointed the new undersecretary of health. This urgent move comes as the Healey administration aims to bolster health care initiatives amid rising challenges in health insurance retention. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services confirmed that Rosenthal, the executive director of Health Care For All, will take on her new role starting November 17, 2023.

Rosenthal’s appointment follows the elevation of Kiame Mahaniah to secretary of health and human services this summer, a shift prompted by the resignation of former Secretary Kate Walsh. With her extensive experience leading Health Care For All since 2017, Rosenthal will be pivotal as Massachusetts navigates new Medicaid work requirements. Notably, the House has just passed legislation allocating $10 million for a public awareness campaign aimed at informing vulnerable populations about these changes, underscoring the urgency of her new position.

In a separate but equally urgent development, NBC News Group has laid off 150 employees as part of ongoing restructuring efforts amid declining television ratings and ad revenues. This move has been anticipated for months as the traditional television landscape faces significant challenges, with NBC unable to offset losses with digital gains. A representative for NBC News Group, known for flagship programs such as “Today” and “NBC Nightly News,” declined to provide further comments on the layoffs.

The layoffs are further attributed to the recent spinoff of cable networks MSNBC and CNBC, which are transitioning into a new company called Versant. As of last week, NBC News no longer shares resources with these outlets, marking a significant shift in the company’s operational structure.

Both developments highlight pressing changes within the realms of health care and media, impacting thousands of lives and reshaping the landscape in Massachusetts and beyond. As Rosenthal prepares for her critical role in health policy, the implications of NBC’s layoffs resonate widely in the media industry.

Stay tuned for further updates on these evolving stories as they unfold.