ESPN reportedly plans another big round of layoffs in the coming weeks
BY PETE GRATHOFF
NOVEMBER 10, 2017 9:10 AM
Once upon a time, “SportsCenter” was must-see television for fans. But ESPN’s one-time signature program apparently will be at the center of another round of layoffs that reportedly will happen in the coming weeks.
Sports Illustrated reported that more than 100 people will lose their jobs after Thanksgiving. This is from the SI story:
The layoffs, which were described by a person briefed on the plans, will hit positions across ESPN including front-facing talent on the television side, producers, executives, and digital and technology staffers. The SportsCenter franchise is expected to be hit hard—including on-air people—given the frequency of the show has lessened considerably on main network ESPN.
As more people drop cable in favor of streaming, ESPN has felt the financial pinch. In April, ESPN cut a number of long-time journalists as part of a round of layoffs that included 100 people.
According to the Los Angeles Times, ESPN weighed down the earnings of its parent company, Walt Disney, in a report on Thursday. The Times said that Disney’s “revenue declined 3 percent and the company failed to meet analysts’ expectations.”
The holiday season may seem like a harsh time to shed jobs. But Sports Illustrated said one reason why ESPN is planning the layoffs between Thanksgiving and Christmas is so employees can received another year in the stock vesting program.
Originally Posted by Buehler445:
ESPN still unwatchable other than the live events?
I'm presuming it is.
I liked Kobler. She always seemed reasonable.
The few times I saw Young, he seemed to actually know the game. JVG was good. The only time I ever consumed McShay was on Russillo's pod. Maybe he'll have time for more appearances. I don't consume any of his content anymore, but I really liked Jalen Rose.
It's remarkable jackasses like Squirmin Herman Mother****ing Sack of **** Edwards, Damien Woody - who has never said anything interesting ****ing ever, Bruschi who is incapable of anything except shilling for Belicheat. Stephen A Smith who is abso****inglutely the worst of the worst in sports broadcasting still have a ****ing job.
Meh.
SVP's SportsCenter is their best show by far and is worth watching. The nighttime SportsCenter's aren't bad either. The middle of the day is rough. Pat McAfee will help a bunch. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BryanBusby:
Bizarre as hell they would lay off McShay but retain Kiper.
My thoughts exactly. Kiper may be mentally handicapped. He's just extremely confident. He's that guy at your work meetings who has no fucking idea what he's talking about but he just says it with exuberance and people listen to him. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mecca:
Mike Greenberg didn't wanna keep doing that show and he's paid like one of their top anchors, it financially made no sense.
You're right. Made no sense to make him a top anchor. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dylan:
Well, why the hell did ESPN buy the rights to broadcast F1?
It might have to do with the 450 million viewership worldwide that tunes in to F1 races...:-)
450 million viewers tune in to watch Max Verstappen win every race by at least 10 seconds while never being passed. Literally the most boring event in the entire spectrum of sports. :-)
Even more boring than soccer, a feat previously thought impossible. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dylan:
Well, why the hell did ESPN buy the rights to broadcast F1?
It might have to do with the 450 million viewership worldwide that tunes in to F1 races...:-)
Also because they can get 1.5 million viewers at 9 AM on a Sunday and have the highest 18-49 demo rating of the entire day. It beats NASCAR, MLB and Golf. [Reply]
max kellerman somehow managed to be insightful, passionate and give hot takes all at the same time without being douchey
plus he was a huge mahomes fan
Kellerman managed to do it despite being paired alot with Jay Williams. Kellerman is great to listen to, but I have to say hiring Mcafee is pretty smart in todays climate. [Reply]
