Report: Most Patch Employees Fired; Leaked Audio Surfaces

Hundreds of employees have been laid off from Patch, the local journalism outlet previously owned by AOL, according to a report.

Various sources told media journalist Jim Romenesko that between two-thirds and 90% of Patch's employees were let go by private equity firm Hale Global — a majority of the staff. Before today, Patch employed about 600 people.

Romenesko also posted audio to Soundcloud, reportedly a recording of the call notifying employees of their terminations. It features a voice that identifies itself as Leigh Zarelli Lewis, the chief operating officer of Patch, who informs listeners that receiving this message means they have been laid off. Read more...