Viewers of ABC 33/40 might miss a few familiar faces the next time they turn on their TVs.

General Manager Mike Murphy confirmed the station had to lay off a number of employees today.

“It was an unfortunate day but due to economic reasons it just had to take place,” Murphy said. “No primary face from our news team was let go, but it’s been a tough day around here.”

Murphy declined to comment further but reports say the station laid off about 20 full-time and part-time employees in all.

The local ABC affiliate is the only Birmingham-area television station with a studio located in Shelby County.