New York - Major record label Warner Music Group plans to lay off 400 staffers as part of a restructuring that includes greater focus on digital distribution, Billboard reported, citing unnamed sources.

The company-wide layoffs will reportedly be staggered.

Separately, WMG on Monday announced the formation of a new division, Den of Thieves, that will produce original programming for network, cable, DVD, broadband and mobile platforms.

The Los Angeles-based unit will create content for WMG artists around releases and special projects, as well as explore original programming and opportunities beyond the label's own roster.

Warner Music hired Jesse Ignjatovic, executive producer of the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, and Evan Prager, most recently vice president of video promotion at Island Def Jam Music Group, to lead Den of Thieves.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/2b2g5o (Billboard)

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=248874

http://www.wmg.com