Sports TV News

ESPN Layoffs Have Begun, Here’s What We Know

Published

3 years ago

November 5, 2020

ESPN will cut 300 jobs and leave 200 open positions unfilled. It is part of the Walt Disney Company’s restructuring to focus more on its direct-to-consumer digital products. Also at the heart of these layoffs appears to be ESPN’s desire to add more NFL play-by-play and the need to free up money to make that a reality.

We are keeping an updated list of folks that we know are out in Bristol. These are some of the best people in the industry at what they do.

Ivan Maisel – College Football Writer (Contract not renewed, will exit in January)

I came to work at ESPN 18 years ago today, on Nov. 5, 2002, as the first college football writer at https://t.co/01M4kGwztH. On the day that my employment became an adult, ESPN informed me that upon expiration of my contract on Jan. 31, I will no longer be working here. 1/
— Ivan Maisel (@Ivan_Maisel) November 5, 2020

Vince Kates – Radio Producer

‘Do what you love, Love what you do’.
I did for almost 21 years to the day, before getting that call. Proud of my role in the most successful years at ESPN Radio and excited for the next chapter…and to again love what I do. Love to all the incredibly talented people affected
— Vincent Kates (@VinceKates) November 9, 2020

Seth Horwitz – Content Producer

1) Unfortunately, my 20-year ESPN career is coming to an end. I was blessed to have a great run, working with so many talented people. I had a dream job and loved every day I was there. My memories are fond and I feel fortunate to have all the great opportunities I did.
— Seth Horwitz (@SethMHorwitz) November 5, 2020

Elida Wiithoeft – Coordinating Editor

I'm sorry about all of the vitriol over the ESPN layoffs on Twitter today. I'm one of the people who lost my job. I worked there more than 22 years. I'm luckier than most. A lot of good people are losing their jobs. It's nothing to celebrate. It's a very sad day in Bristol.
— Elida Witthoeft (@elidawitthoeft) November 5, 2020

Chris Cote – Dan Le Batard Show Producer

I’m saddened to announce that I was part of the ESPN layoffs that took place last week. I’m forever grateful for the genuinely good people I got to know and work with over the last 5 years…
— Chris Cote (@ChrisCoteDKings) November 8, 2020

Chris Peters – NHL Draft and Prospects Analyst

Sad to say I am one of those caught in ESPN’s cuts today. Could not be more thankful to have had the chance to work with some incredible people. Got to live my dream for a few years and do some of the best work of my career. Still have some stuff coming before I’m done, too.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) November 5, 2020

Mike Antoniou- ESPN Radio Producer

After 13 years at @ESPNRadio I was part of the layoffs today Thank you to all the co-workers who made the job a blast & odd hours seem normal. Thanks to all the hosts that entertained me while making me a better producer. Will cherish my time there forever. On to bigger & better. pic.twitter.com/vBYL38KeNh
— Mike Antoniou (@MikeASports) November 5, 2020

Arty Berko – Investigative Reporter

Ali Bronson – ESPN Radio Producer

ESPN was the dream. It was the only job I ever talked about wanting as a little girl. I got to live out my dream for 13 years and it was everything I dreamed of. I will forever be proud of the work I did. I’m heartbroken that I was part of the layoffs today…
— Ali Bronson (@AliBronsonPods) November 6, 2020

Sean Morrison – eSports Writer

Hey, everyone. Unfortunately, I just found out that I am being laid off. I'm not sure what comes next. For now, I'm just reflecting on how proud I am of this group and the growth @ESPN_Esports had this year. Being here for it is one of the highlights of my journalism career.
— Sean Morrison (@sean_morrison) November 5, 2020

Ashley Braband – Content Producer

Got the layoff call. Over the last 13 years I’ve been lucky to make some really cool stuff w/some really talented people. (Big thanks to SN, Bldg 5, Always Late, and the Sports? family.) I don’t know what’s next yet, beyond bringing this bottle of wine with me into the bathtub ❤️
— Ashley Braband (@AshleyBraband) November 6, 2020

Brian Bencomo – eSports Writer

https://twitter.com/brian_bencomo/status/1324522105094852608?s=21

Emily Rand – eSports Writer

Hi all, I've just received word that my contract with ESPN will not be renewed for 2021. I'm sad for all of my colleagues at ESPN who have also been affected by this round of layoffs and additionally thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such amazing people.
— Emily Rand (@leagueofemily) November 6, 2020

Pauk Kix – Writer/Podcaster

https://twitter.com/paulkix/status/1324490969170010112?s=21

Claire Smith – Baseball Writer

In 1981, I wrote a sidebar at a @Phillies game— my first baseball byline. Wanted to reach a 40th season of coverage, but heck, if 39 was good enough for Campy, it’s good enough for me. I thank @ESPN & the amazing friends/family there for an extraordinary 13 years. I 💖 you all.
— Claire Smith ⚾️ (@MzCSmith) November 6, 2020

Howard Chen – Producer/Reporter (Contract not renewed)

Just got the call from @espn. It's been a pleasure. Still got a few months left. Life comes at you fast
— Howard Chen 陈定豪 (@TheHoChen) November 5, 2020

Jim Barrero – ESPN.com Senior Editor

Add me to the list. I've survived countless rounds of layoffs in my 30 years in journalism, but not the one today at ESPN. I am so proud to work on a copy desk with so many wonderful people and I will miss the camaraderie and the chemistry we had. Free agency is in the future.
— Jim Barrero (@jimbarrero) November 6, 2020

Ty Wegner – Writer/Editor

I'm sorry to report that I was one of the hundreds of people who lost their job at ESPN today. I have nothing but affection for everyone I worked with there the past 10 years. If anyone needs a tireless editor who's passionate about storytelling, reach me at: [email protected].
— Ty Wenger (@TyWenger) November 5, 2020

Lisa James – Producer

(1/2) I’m one of the people at ESPN who lost their job. I worked there for almost 16 years. I am not interested in bitterness. At ESPN, I got to work with my sports idol @MagicJohnson for years. I got to produce NBA Countdown and go to 12 NBA finals as a researcher and producer.
— Lisa James (@LisaJames32) November 5, 2020

Jody Roberts – Highlight Producer

I started at ESPN when I was 20 and fresh out of college; it’s the only job I’ve ever known. You move to Bristol not knowing anyone, and the people you meet truly become your family. After nearly 8 years, today I was let go in the ESPN layoffs. 1/3
— jodybobs (@jodybobs) November 5, 2020

Tom Tischio – Producer/Editor

Hey all. Unfortunately I was one of the many to be affected by the layoffs at ESPN. I've worked in all facets of production at @ESPN_Esports and I am proud of the work I got to do there. If you're looking for a producer/video editor you can reach me at [email protected]. ❤️
— Thomas Tischio (@tischphotos) November 6, 2020

BSM Staff

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Sports TV News

Scripps Sports Exec: Teams Are Making Contingency Deals For After Bally Sports Bankruptcy

Lawlor said that Scripps Sports “already has deals in place with at least a couple of teams as a contingency in case Bally halts broadcasts before the end of the 2024 season.”

Published

4 hours ago

November 30, 2023

Jordan Bondurant

With the writing on the wall that Diamond Sports Group will drop its regional sports contracts after next year, entities like Scripps Sports are bracing for additional opportunities to work with various teams.

Scripps Sports president Brian Lawlor recently said teams and leagues are already thinking ahead.

“There’s a lot of contingency planning by teams and leagues to have distribution options if the creditors pull the rug out early,” Lawlor told Cincinnati Business Courier. “It’s really messy right now.”

Lawlor added that Scripps has already been involved in contingency planning with those leagues and teams, with talks having gone on for months in some instances.

“(Scripps) already has deals in place with at least a couple of teams as a contingency in case Bally halts broadcasts before the end of the 2024 season.

Scripps Sports already stepped in to help provide a new TV home for both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Arizona Coyotes. Lawlor said returns with those teams, particularly in Vegas, have been great.

“We’ve been blown away by the Golden Knights over-the-air ratings and the number of people who have subscribed to direct-to-consumer,” he said.

Jordan Bondurant

Jordan Bondurant is a features reporter for Barrett Sports Media. He’s a multimedia journalist and communicator who works at the Virginia State Corporation Commission in Richmond. Jordan also contributes occasional coverage of the Washington Capitals for the blog NoVa Caps. His prior media experiences include working for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Danville Register & Bee, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, WRIC-TV 8News and Audacy Richmond. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @J__Bondurant.

Sports TV News

Bob Iger: ESPN Could ‘Go It Alone’ and Not Take Financial Partners

“We are fully prepared to do that. It would be a little more challenging if we did.”

Published

4 hours ago

November 30, 2023

Jordan Bondurant

Courtesy: CNBC

As Disney continues to consider selling an ownership stake in ESPN, Disney CEO Bob Iger told employees he’s not ruling out the possibility of not bringing in new financial partners.

Front Office Sports reported Wednesday that Iger spoke at a Disney town hall on Tuesday and there’s no requirement in place that says Disney must seek out new investors to maintain ESPN’s financial future.

“We could go it alone,” he said. “We are fully prepared to do that. It would be a little more challenging if we did.”

Disney has already had some level of conversations with potential partners including pro sports leagues and big tech companies.

Jordan Bondurant

Sports TV News

NASCAR to Announce $1.1B Rights Deal with FOX, NBC, Prime Video, TNT

The $1.1 billion figure represents a nearly 40% increase in what the organization receives from its current deals.

Published

12 hours ago

November 29, 2023

BSM Staff

A photo of the NASCAR Cup Series, FOX, Prime Video, TNT, and NBC Sports logos

NASCAR is on the verge of announcing a new TV rights deal that will see the racing organization bring in $1.1 billion annually from five TV partners.

The $1.1 billion figure represents a nearly 40% increase in what the organization receives from its current deals.

Beginning in 2025 and running through the 2031 season, NASCAR will air its first 14 Cup Series events with FOX and FS1. The next five events will air on Amazon Prime Video, making the first time a NASCAR event will be shown exclusively on a streaming service.

Following Amazon’s portion of the schedule, another five events will be broadcast on both TNT and the B/R Sports tier of the Max streaming service. The final 14 races of the year will be broadcast with NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, according to reporting from Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern.

Previously, FOX Sports aired 18 races, while NBC aired 20, which includes two exhibition events.

In addition to its new deals with Amazon Prime Video and TNT for the Cup Series, NASCAR also has a previously announced new broadcast agreement with The CW to air each race of the Xfinity Series.

The upcoming announcement, which is expected either Wednesday or Thursday, comes on the heels of NASCAR President Steve Phelps admitting new TV partners would be entering the fray in the next contract.

“We are going to have an additional partner and we may have two additional partners,” Phelps told NBC Sports. “That’s kind of where we’re trying to figure out in these last few weeks — what that’s going to look like, but we already know we’re going to have more partners.”

BSM Staff