The E.W. Scripps Co. dismissed about 10 members of its national advertising sales staff on Monday.
Scripps confirmed that positions were eliminated, saying that the moves were part of a strategic reorganization the company announced in January.
"Scripps is establishing a revenue structure that better reflects the rapidly changing needs of the business," a spokesperson said.
The move also followed Scripps naming former NBCU exec Brian Norris as chief revenue officer in August.
TV advertising sales have been challenged this year. In the third quarter, Scripps Networks reported an 8.5% drop in revenues and a sharper drop in profits to $49.7 million.
Staffers were laid off from Scripps sales offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Eliminated roles included sales managers and support staff.
One source said targeted employees were asked to leave their offices immediately and their email accounts were locked.
