NBC Universal lays off some ‘Dateline NBC’ staff as part of restructuring

The first round of NBC Universal belt-tightening to affect news occurred last week, when the network cut 17 members of the “Dateline NBC” staff.

The move, which came late last week, is the first of many anticipated steps to cut expenses and improve efficiency under the network’s announced NBCU 2.0 restructuring.

Others include moving MSNBC operations to the network’s headquarters in Manhattan.

The 17 “Dateline” staff members laid off do not include others who may have taken a buyout to leave.