Report: Talent Layoffs Coming At ESPN

Layoffs?

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED media columnist RICHARD DEITSCH is reporting that ESPN is preparing to lay off staffers from the network's on-air talent, with the task of "paring tens of millions of staff salary from its payroll, including staffers many viewers and readers will recognize." DEITSCH's report does not offer specifics but cites sources telling him that "There is no set list of names yet and stressed that behind-the-scenes people will likely (key word) not be impacted by these cuts," and points to ESPN's "lower-than-expected quarterly revenue" and lower subscriber figures for its cable networks.

An ESPN spokesperson gave a statement to DEITSCH saying, "We have long been about serving fans and innovating to create the best content for them. Today's fans consume content in many different ways and we are in a continuous process of adapting to change and improving what we do. Inevitably that has consequences for how we utilize our talent. We are confident that ESPN will continue to have a roster of talent that is unequaled in sports."

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