ESPN is reportedly poised for another huge round of layoffs, with Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reporting that Disney has pushed the network to cut costs and it could lead to hundreds of employees losing their jobs.
The report says one source pegged the number of potential cuts somewhere between 300 and 700 employees.
“The cuts are expected to hit hardest among ESPN employees who work behind the camera. But some on-camera TV and radio talents could be impacted — particularly if their contracts are expiring this year.”
On top of that, ESPN may ask its high-paid talent to take salary reductions in an effort to cut “tens of millions in salary.”
“Another source said the pressure for cost savings is coming directly from ESPN parent Walt Disney Co., which was forced to shut down its lucrative theme parks and cruise lines for months during the pandemic. “This is coming from Burbank,” they said, referring to the location of Disney’s headquarters.”
It was back in 2017 when the network laid off over one hundred writers, reporters and on-air radio and television personalities that included Danny Kanell, Trent Dilfer, Jay Crawford, Jaymee Sire, Andy Katz, Britt McHenry and Jane McManus.
