The Axe Fell At ESPN Wednesday

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The expected 100 layoffs at ESPN began on Wednesday as many long-time TV and radio hosts were dismissed. Many of them, including Ed Werder, Danny Kanell, Jayson Stark, and Trent Dilfer took to Twitter to post the news. Kanell tweeted, “Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go ‘all in’ 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes.” Here’s what company President John Skipper posted the following statement to the ESPN website…

“ESPN has been actively engaged throughout its history in navigating changes in technology and fan behavior in order to continue to deliver quality, breakthrough content. Today, we are again focused on a strategic vision that will propel our vast array of networks and services forward.

“A necessary component of managing change involves constantly evaluating how we best utilize all of our resources, and that sometimes involves difficult decisions. Our content strategy – primarily illustrated in recent months by melding distinct, personality-driven SportsCenter TV editions and digital-only efforts with our biggest sub-brand – still needs to go further, faster…and as always, must be efficient and nimble. Dynamic change demands an increased focus on versatility and value, and as a result, we have been engaged in the challenging process of determining the talent—anchors, analysts, reporters, writers, and those who handle play-by-play—necessary to meet those demands. We will implement changes in our talent lineup this week. A limited number of other positions will also be affected and a handful of new jobs will be posted to fill various needs.

“These decisions impact talented people who have done great work for our company. I would like to thank all of them for their efforts and their many contributions to ESPN.

“Our objective in all we do is to best serve fans and their changing consumption habits while still maintaining an unparalleled and diverse talent roster that resonates with fans across all our platforms. We will continue to foster creativity and investment in the products and resources necessary to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Thank you as always for your continuing dedication to our work.”

4 COMMENTS

  1. Gawd ferbid anybody in a broadcast audience should be “offended”.
    I woke up offended. But, I also realize: That’s my problem.

  2. ESPN’s press release is written in corporate-speak it says “we politicized our programming and offended ober half the nation so now we’re paying the price……”

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