The long-feared Viacom pre-post holiday layoffs are here, and they're not pretty. We heard earlier that as many as 300 layoffs might be coming at MTV today, but the total, Viacom-wide numbers are even worse: 850 people are being cut, about 7% of the company's global staff. And top management is "suspending salary increases" next year, if it makes you peons feel any better. The full internal memo that went out this morning is after the jump; if you know more about the specific breakdown of the layoffs, email us. UPDATES: additional memos from MTV and Paramount added below:

Dear Colleagues: With less than a month until the close of 2008, our entire organization continues to do everything possible to anticipate and adapt to the unprecedented changes affecting all our businesses. We know it hasn't been easy and we couldn't be more proud or more appreciative of how you have risen to the challenge. Even in these tough economic times, Viacom has a strong hand to play. We have a broad stable of outstanding brands, diverse revenue streams and an impressive global footprint, backed up by exceptional financial strength. Added to that we have talented employees, extremely able leaders and a creative ingenuity that runs deep. Unfortunately, our advantages and best efforts can't completely protect Viacom from the very serious and broad-based challenges of this economic recession. Viacom's long-term health will depend on our shared commitment to adapt, to innovate and to make difficult choices. To compete and thrive, we need to create an organization and a cost structure that are in step with the evolving economic environment. Today, we are announcing a company-wide restructuring plan that includes staffing reductions in all divisions. This will result in a reduction of our worldwide workforce of approximately 7 percent, or about 850 positions. We are also suspending salary increases for the Company's senior level management in 2009. In addition, after a comprehensive review of our operations, we will write down certain programming and other assets. These three actions will bring us significant cost savings and other efficiencies. Top managers at every part of the company worked thoughtfully, carefully and compassionately to create a leaner, more focused organization. It was not an easy task, but it was an essential step that will keep Viacom at the competitive forefront today and tomorrow. Department heads and supervisors will provide you with more information about the changes that will be taking place in your division. Saying goodbye to friends and colleagues is always difficult, particularly when we have shared so much. Those of you who will be leaving should be proud of your contributions, which we will always respect and appreciate. We thank you and we wish you the best. The true measure of an organization is how it deals with change and overcomes challenges. We know that you are up to the task and that together we will push through the difficulties ahead and go on to even greater achievements. We truly appreciate your continued commitment and hard work and we thank you for everything you do each day. Sincerely, Philippe and Tom

From MTV's Judy McGrath to employees:

I'm sure you've read Philippe and Tom's note, and I want to talk to

you about what it means for MTV Networks – today and in the context of

our overall mission and strategy going forward. We all know there's a fundamental restructuring of our entire economy

going on, and it extends beyond our borders. This is not just about

MTVN, Viacom or even sister media companies – it's happening in every

industry, all over the world. This doesn't make it easier to say

goodbye to people we love and respect, but it is the hard truth. In

these tough times, we are responsible for sustaining and reinventing

our company as thoughtfully as we can. The changes we're making today

are necessary, difficult, and the responsible way for us to move

forward. Here in the U.S., we're consolidating some groups, centralizing

functions and outsourcing others, and aligning our resources across

brands and platforms. Specific details of the changes and how they

affect you and your group will be communicated by your department

heads today. Our International organization continues to implement a

new approach to structure and operations, which has been underway

throughout the year. Further moves will be outlined by the leadership

of each MTVNI region. Change like this is so tough, to say the least. But we must accept

that we operate today in a state of constant evolution, constant

change. We believe the next chapter for each of us will be all about new

possibilities, creativity and invention. This is where our

opportunity lies. We can use this moment of global transformation to

reassert our capacity to innovate, to inspire through creative and

business excellence, to connect with our audience as powerfully as

ever. We will be a leaner organization, but we will always be

champions of new ideas, champions of all of our customers and brands,

and leaders in new ways of doing business. Everyone here contributes to MTVN and Viacom every single day and

night without exception. We hate to see dedicated friends and

co-workers leave us, and we say goodbye with care, gratitude, support

and respect. Thank you all for your continued commitment to MTV Networks. — Judy

From Paramount's Brad Grey [via Variety]: