Los Angeles - Online TV distributor ManiaTV said that it has laid off 20 employees, or about 30% of its workforce, and said it will reduce the number of original programs it produces.

"While it is never pleasant to cut staff or eliminate some show projects that have yet to see the light of day, today's economic climate simply requires a more frugal approach to business," said ManiaTV CEO Peter Hoskins.

Launched in 2004, the online network is home to shows from Dave Navarro, Tom Green and National Lampoon.

The company will shift its focus from producing all of its programming in-house to relying on third-party producers.

"The network, which has a policy of only releasing shows that are profitable, has cut the budgets for experimental, unsponsored productions," added Hoskins.

To date, ManiaTV has raised over $26 million in venture capital.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/4ly7b (NewTeeVee)

http://snipurl.com/4ly26 (TVWeek)

http://www.maniatv.com