Westport’s Martha Stewart, facing a possible prison sentence, will no longer have her television show, much of it produced at her Westport production facility.
The show’s producers announced today that “Martha Stewart Living” will be put on hiatus after this season winds up. One source estimated as many as 40 layoffs in Westport as a result.
Production of the award-winning syndicated television show, distributed by King World Productions, will continue for the remainder of the 11th season, through September.
“I am deeply sorry that it has become necessary for the show to go on hiatus until my personal legal situation is resolved,” said Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.
“I hope to resume our close collaboration just as soon as I am able to do so.”
Stewart was convicted March 5 of lying about why she sold 3,928 shares of ImClone Systems stock in 2001, just before the stock price plunged.
Stewart, who owns 61 percent of the media empire, also stepped down as chief creative officer and resigned from the company’s board. She assumed the title of founding editorial director.
She had resigned as chairman and chief executive officer last June after being indicted. She is expected to be sentenced June 17, and faces 10 months to 16 months in prison.
Martha Stewart Living said it will continue production of “Petkeeping With Marc Morrone” and accelerate its development of special and new programming such as “Everyday Food.”
While not directly citing the Westport television production facility on Newtown Turnpike, the company did say that “consistent with this announcement, the company will also adjust staffing levels within the television business segment.”
A source familiar with the operation said as many as 40 people employed in Westport could be laid off.
It said the company will take a restructuring charge of up to $2 million in the second quarter of 2004.
In making the announcement, Sharon Patrick, president and CEO, said: “In consideration of many factors, we concluded that taking a hiatus in new series production for the 2004-2005 season is the right strategy for the Martha Stewart Living Television show and the long-term interest of our company.
“We thank King World Productions and our long-standing loyal affiliates for their support and understanding of our decision.
“We are also pleased at the expressed interest of stations and distributors in returning Martha Stewart Living, when available, to future lineups.
“That speaks directly to the quality and contribution of our talented professionals. We can’t thank them enough.”
In her statement, Stewart added, “Words cannot convey my appreciation and admiration for the skills and dedication of our talented television employees, for the joy and pride I derive from our work together, and for the immeasurable contributions they have made and will continue to make.”
At the same time, Stewart said she wanted “to express my gratitude for the continuing support of our millions of dedicated viewers all over the country, and look forward to rewarding their patience and loyalty in the future.”
This is what I feared would happen if convicted.I found such beauty and knowledge in watching her show in my work I am surrouded by misfortunates of society she was a breath of fresh air,Who made me forget for a little while.Come back Martha when this is over stronger than ever.There is only one Martha Stewart the rest are wannabes that will never be.
I never watched the Martha Stewart show (when was it on?) but saw segments on a morning show occasionally. I’ve seen how she brought beauty into the homes of so many people, but it’s hard to watch her anymore knowing that she lied so quickly and never admitted her culpability. That is not a person I can admire, no matter how beautiful her sheets are. Yes, she was incredibly kind to have Westport Historical Society fundraisers in her gardens, and I admired her for that. But somewhere in “the dark night of the soul”, I believe Martha will change on the inside, people will see that, and she will have the chance for another show down the line. But it all depends on her willingness to be honest and grow. I wish her well. Linda Gramatky Smith
SO MARTHA MADE A MISTAKE!!! In light of what is going on in the Middle East it makes her crime look like a cake walk (no pun intended). Give her a slap on the wrist, fine her what ever but don’t put her in jail..she has an elderly Mother what is this going to do to her. Yes, there are those who will say – well, Martha should have thought about that before – well all I can say is a quote from a book we all should have read by now, or aleast part. “Let those with no sin cast the first stone”. Sound familiar? I am the first one to say I can’t..
Think about it!
Let her shows continue for pete’s sake..we get more good from them than the world news.
Cindy Taylor