Posted on 04/25/2017 12:17:10 PM PDT by Hojczyk
UPDATE:
The layoffs at ESPN might turn out worse than predicted, sources tell Sporting News.
The Worldwide Leader in Sports could cut around 70 TV/radio anchors, reporters, analysts and online writers over coming days and weeks, sources said.
That would be worse than the 40 to 50 on-air talents predicted by ESPN book author James Andrew Miller during a podcast with Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated.
The higher numbers may reflect the inclusion of online writers like respected Titans beat reporter Paul Kuharsky who tweeted Monday his contract is not being renewed.
"This could be a bloodbath," warned one source.
ESPN's corporate campus was "eerily silent" Tuesday, said another source, as staffers anxiously waited to see who'll survive what management is euphemistically describing as a "right-sizing."
"It's like the dead calm before a horrible storm," said the source.
ESPN management would argue that salaries for on-air talent have gotten out of control.
Some ESPN stars are earning from $1.5 million to $3 million, according to Miller. They're not going to make that kind of scratch at other networks. To save their jobs, some of these talents are renegotiating their deals for lesser pay, said sources.
It's no coincidence the layoffs are taking place before ESPN parent Disney's release of its 2nd quarter financial results on May 9.
With ESPN losing 12 million subscribers over the past five years, the brass in Bristol have to show Disney management and Wall Street its willing to bite the bullet on costs.
"They’re not growing. So the only way to show fiscal responsibility is to lay people off," said a TV insider. "This is all Wall Street-driven. This is all about Disney ordering a Code Red."
ESPN declined to comment.
(Excerpt) Read more at sportingnews.com ...
But where will I get my expert analysis of NCAA women’s basketball?
Fire them ALL!................
Maybe if they stuck to sports instead of social justice issues....
It doesn’t pay to be a NeverTrumper....
ESPN - a left wing commentary channel that plays lots of commercials and occasionally will broadcast a sporting event.
“...So the only way to show fiscal responsibility is to lay people off...”
Fiscal responsibility could return if you just stick to sports and quit politics....
I wonder if they will keep the bimbettes who interrupt the football game broadcasts with their comments about a player’s favorite cookies or questions about what an emotional roller coaster the past week has been.
I only watch for their insightful political views.
Do they still backing a former Niner QB, who is a BLMer and married to a Jihadist and hates America?
I am going to bet white males are going to take the hit.
Particuliarily, when you po the 62+ million voters of Trump back then and now.
To fire anyone else would be racist.
A true conservative, you only bet on sure things and fixed horse races.
Maybe it will be a lesson to the rest of them to keep politics out of sports.I dont think they are that smart.
Don Imus
Gee maybe they will pull out of CommieConnecticut.
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