ESPN to lay off about 100 employees today, including on-air talent

[Denver Native (Carol)]

It’s a dark day at ESPN.


The sports broadcasting network sent a memo to employees early Wednesday, informing them that a series of previously announced layoffs would take place today. The number of employees cut will be around 100, Fox News has learned.

The memo, from ESPN President John Skipper, noted that the network’s new talent lineup will be announced soon. The layoffs are expected to impact some of the network’s popular on-air personalities.

“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,” Skipper wrote to employees. “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.”

rest - http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/04/26/espn-to-lay-off-about-100-employees-today-including-on-air-talent.html

Ed Werder‏Verified account @Edwerderespn 36m

After 17 years reporting on #NFL, I've been informed that I'm being laid off by ESPN effective immediately. I have no plans to retire

[Buff]

I guess Danny Kannell is one of the names. I am wondering if Russillo will get the axe too. Big fan of Russillo, but never liked the show with Kannell.

[slim]

There hasn't been much talent on ESPN in over a decade.

[WTE]

That's what happens when you block me on Twitter Ed. You lose your job.

#TheCurseOfWTE

10464

[Denver Native (Carol)]

ESPN layoffs begin as Trent Dilfer, Ed Werder, Danny Kanell and Jayson Stark among those out of a job

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/espn-layoffs-trent-dilfer-ed-werder-jayson-stark-article-1.3102620

Has a list of those so far

[atwater27]

People tend to stop watching when they are lectured about social justice warrior crap when all they want are the scores and analysis of the game.

[slim]

That's what happens when you block me on Twitter Ed. You lose your job.

#TheCurseOfWTE

10464

If I put you on ignore, will I lose my job?

[Nomad]

Oh well :coffee:

[WTE]

If I put you on ignore, will I lose my job?

No, you will start having an affection for tomato slices on your breakfast sandwiches.

#TheCurseOfWTE

[MOtorboat]

I guess Danny Kannell is one of the names. I am wondering if Russillo will get the axe too. Big fan of Russillo, but never liked the show with Kannell.

Some outlets have reported Russillo will have a reduced role, whatever that means. Sucks to see Jayson Stark go.

[Buff]

Oh well :coffee:

If it was a coal mine or a military base would you be as dismissive?

[Poet]

People tend to stop watching when they are lectured about social justice warrior crap when all they want are the scores and analysis of the game.

They overspent on buying t.v. rights and felt it immediately. I don't think politics factors into this one.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Even Dilfer?

[OrangeHoof]

You have to go back many many years to the time Hannah Storm was the Weather Girl on Houston's KHOU-TV and dubbed "Miss Cold Front" by a radio dj who apparently struck out with her.

[Hawgdriver]

You have to go back many many years to the time Hannah Storm was the Weather Girl on Houston's KHOU-TV and dubbed "Miss Cold Front" by a radio dj who apparently struck out with her.

And that radio dj was you.

[OrangeHoof]

Nope, but I was in radio at the time. This was one of those morning shock jock types whose name was probably fake and whom I can't recall. I would never make something like that into a public feud.

[slim]

If it was a coal mine or a military base would you be as dismissive?

He would, but you wouldn't. So here we are.

[Buff]

He would, but you wouldn't. So here we are.

Judging from the overwhelming conservative reaction along the lines of, "Good, those political losers deserve it" - I think you're wrong.

[slim]

Judging from the overwhelming conservative reaction along the lines of, "Good, those political losers deserve it" - I think you're wrong.

ESPN has been a deeply flawed product for many years now. It was just a matter of time.

[Buff]

ESPN has been a deeply flawed product for many years now. It was just a matter of time.

Fine - but so are coal mines and apparently we're to feel deep sympathy for that class of workers but not these.

[slim]

Fine - but so are coal mines and apparently we're to feel deep sympathy for that class of workers but not these.

Yeah, losing your job sucks.

One group is largely comprised of college educated professionals that likely have greater job opportunities and flexibility. The other group likely has no opportunities or options.

[WTE]

Yeah, losing your job sucks.

One group is largely comprised of college educated professionals that likely have greater job opportunities and flexibility. The other group likely has no opportunities or options.

Yes and one group likely makes 40K a year and will die at 55 of black lung disease and the other group makes 2 mil a year and drives a Maserati.

[slim]

Yes and one group likely makes 40K a year and will die at 55 of black lung disease and the other group makes 2 mil a year and drives a Maserati.

I wish I made 2 mil a year.

I can do without the Maserati, though.

[MOtorboat]

I didn't realize this industry was so high-paying. Thanks WTE for enlightening us.

[MOtorboat]

I wish I made 2 mil a year.

I can do without the Maserati, though.

So do the reporters who work at ESPN.

[slim]

So do the reporters who work at ESPN.

Well, I'm sure some of the high profile former athlete types making pretty good money.

I wonder what the average salary is for reporter? $60K/year??

[MOtorboat]

Well, I'm sure some of the high profile former athlete types making pretty good money.

I wonder what the average salary is for reporter? $60K/year??

The average for every reporter? Much lower than that.

[slim]

The average for every reporter? Much lower than that.

Oh, it was just a wild guess.

[PatriotsGuy]

http://work.chron.com/average-annual-income-sports-reporter-12180.html

[Buff]

Yeah, losing your job sucks.

One group is largely comprised of college educated professionals that likely have greater job opportunities and flexibility. The other group likely has no opportunities or options.

Right but you're making my point for me. I could just as easily argue that the coal miners aren't deserving of sympathy because they're unskilled and should have done more to secure their future... I'm not making that case - because I feel sympathy for the reporter and the coal miner who lose their jobs.

In general, why is it so hard for you (and others) to just exhibit some basic empathy without seeing things in political terms?

[CoachChaz]

The average for every reporter? Much lower than that.

Having grown up in a coal mining town, I can also say the average salary for those miners is much lower than the fore-mentioned 40k

[MOtorboat]

Having grown up in a coal mining town, I can also say the average salary for those miners is much lower than the fore-mentioned 40k

I certainly wasn't trying to make an argument that coal miners are highly paid.

[CoachChaz]

I certainly wasn't trying to make an argument that coal miners are highly paid.

I know. I was just making the comment for reference sake.

[slim]

Right but you're making my point for me. I could just as easily argue that the coal miners aren't deserving of sympathy because they're unskilled and should have done more to secure their future... I'm not making that case - because I feel sympathy for the reporter and the coal miner who lose their jobs.

In general, why is it so hard for you (and others) to just exhibit some basic empathy without seeing things in political terms?

Well, I suppose that is difficult to judge on a message board. it's not that I don't empathize, it's just that I don't think posting something like "thoughts and prayers to those that lost their jobs" is helpful or meaningful.

[slim]

Also, you just said that the little guy doesn't matter....fyi.

[OrangeHoof]

The whole chatboard "prayers" comment always strikes me as odd. Like when Hugo Chavez or Fidel Castro dies and somebody posts "Prayers for his friends and family".

Really??? Am I to feel sympathy for the friends and families of these monsters? Maybe prayers that they can help right the wrongs of their dead relative but even that is a stretch.

TBH, I do have sympathy for the reporters and even more for the behind-the-scenes people that suffer for the mistakes of senior management. I also have sympathy for people who have had their jobs targeted by a political party for producing "dirty" energy.

Eagerly awaiting the "prayers for his friends and family" post for Kim Jung Un....

[Nomad]

I just said "oh well", no politics, though it seems to be a very
"white" layoff by ESPN. We've had roughly 21,000 laid off here in AK.

[BeefStew25]

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Industry=Coal_Mining/Salary

[slim]

Oh man, the accountants are taking it in the shorts!

[FanInAZ]

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Industry=Coal_Mining/Salary


What does the salaries for the coal mining industry have to do with ESPN laying off their employees :confused:

[slim]

What does the salaries for the coal mining industry have to do with ESPN laying off their employees :confused:

Shouldn't you be at Culvers?

[FanInAZ]

Shouldn't you be at Culvers?

For the last hour, now answer my question.

[slim]

For the last hour, now answer my question.

Which Culvers?

I brought a hooker for you.

[BeefStew25]

What does the salaries for the coal mining industry have to do with ESPN laying off their employees :confused:

Are you dense?

[Hawgdriver]

Are you dense?

Idk about him, I but I definitely am dense. Please,k,, need spoiler!!

[Hawgdriver]

lol my grammar. love dysfunctional grammar. it's like, dystopian grammar, but more functional.

[FanInAZ]

Are you dense?

No, now please answer my question.

[BroncoJoe]

No, now please answer my question.

I suggest you read through the thread.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Adam Schefter
2 hrs ·
Facebook Mentions
·

Our hearts are heavy at ESPN as we report the tragic news that Kathy Berman, wife of Chris Berman, was killed in a car accident Tuesday. Kathy was a school teacher and married to Chris for 33 years. In a statement, ESPN president John Skipper said: "This is a devastating tragedy and difficult to comprehend. Chris is beloved by all his ESPN colleagues and for good reason: he has a huge heart and has given so much to so many over the years. We know how much his family means to him and all we can do at a moment like this is give him the love and support he will surely need at this hour. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Meredith, Doug and the entire family."
Chris and Kathy Berman were married four years after Chris joined ESPN. She is survived by Chris and two children, Meredith and Doug.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Heart breaking-

#prayersforbermanfamily

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Wade Phillips‏Verified account @sonofbum

Ed Werder and now John Clayton-what can ESPN be thinking letting go 2 of the best at what they do and 2 great guys.