ESPN Starts Layoffs Tied to NFL Network Acquisition, Memo Says
The cuts affect on-air talent and staff as ESPN continues integrating NFL Network operations after its February acquisition, according to a Tuesday staff memo.
- On Tuesday, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro initiated a new round of layoffs, cutting on-air talent and production staff as the company absorbs NFL Network operations acquired earlier this year.
- Most job impacts stem from integrating NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL Fantasy assets acquired in April, a move that granted the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN valued at roughly $3 billion.
- Notable departures include 33-year veteran Karl Ravech, NFL analyst Ryan Clark, and reporter Tom Pelissero, alongside contributors Stephania Bell, Charles Davis, and Bart Scott.
- Chairman Pitaro stated in a staff memo the network is evaluating resources to position itself for the future, while cuts coincide with broader workforce reductions across the Walt Disney Company this week.
- Financial pressure from rising live sports rights fees persists as ESPN maintains heavy investments in stars like Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee, who earn up to $30 million annually, while navigating a 5% drop in operating income.
76 Articles
76 Articles
ESPN makes new layoffs tied to NFL Network acquistion
<p>ESPN is undergoing a significant round of layoffs for the first time in three years after taking over NFL Network in April.</p><p>Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Associated Press, that most moves are the result of ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network and other league digital assets last year.</p><p>The deal was announced last August and also included NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the …
Reports: Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero among ESPN cuts
Longtime baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech and NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero are among the ESPN employees being laid off in a wave of cuts, according to multiple media reports on Tuesday. These layoffs are linked to ESPN's acquisition of NFL Netwo...
Leaked Internal Memo From ESPN Exec Explains Reasoning For Latest Round Of Massive Layoffs
The next time you turn on the TV to watch ESPN, the broadcast may look a good bit different from what you remember after the network experienced a massive round of layoffs on Tuesday that included several big-name television personalities. Perhaps the biggest name caught in the crosshairs was former NFL veteran turned polarizing TV analyst […] The post Leaked Internal Memo From ESPN Exec Explains Reasoning For Latest Round Of Massive Layoffs app…
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