NFT: ESPN reportedly laying off close to 100 people

but it makes a good point. These cuts at ESPN barely scratch the surface of what they pay for a single Monday Night Football game. [I think they pay $100 million per game, and 100 people x a very generous $300,000 in costs per is $30 million/year].

Deadspin's point is that this isnt about a real business decision. It's just a signal to Disney execs/shareholders that ESPN is taking the situation it faces seriously. Except because of the math, this isnt a serious response. This isnt offsetting subscriber losses.

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And that’s the truly tragic thing about today’s layoffs, that those who lost their jobs were essentially symbolic sacrifices.

Link - ( New Window )

of the asinine arguments to cut PBS because of the national debt. I'll let a mod delete this if it's too political.

I thought this article hit the nail on the head. It mostly speaks of cost vs revenue and cord cutters. But I do think ESPN consciously expanding into political discussions whether it be Kapernick or North Carolina bathroom laws or sports pulling from states based on views on gay marriage etc turns people off.

Like MTV, many say remember when they used to play music. ESPN has turned into a bunch of idiots yelling at each other over stupid topics and many times injecting their personal political beliefs. Unfortunately in a polarized nation, that could alienate 50% of their audience. That combined with paying gazillions of dollars for NFL and NBA whose TV ratings are down for a ton of different reasons will cause a massive ongoing issue up in Connecticut.
Link - ( New Window )

the ESPN situation has anything to do with politics and everything to do with people cutting the cord for economic reasons while streaming alternatives exist, especially as a younger generation comes into the fold who grew up on streaming platforms.

Britt McHenry added to the list.

that despite these layoffs, ESPN still needs a major change in format, content, something - they cannot continue to operate as they have as the cable market changes, and they are uniquely vulnerable to what's happening now: As basically the most expensive channel, the old cable package system that got ESPN out to everyone was great to them, but they are suffering a people move away from cable in general, and also from the 'a la carte' type offerings now where ESPN is no longer a staple network for all. Don't know for sure, but I don't get the impression the Magazine (with the downturn in print media) or the website (too much behind paywall/too much competition/annoying auto-play videos etc) or even Radio are significant income streams for them - the TV networks seem to be the main income stream, and they are taking a huge hit.

So really, a few layoffs don't come close to solving the underlying issue - they need a wholesale change in how they do business. The layoffs may indicate where they are thinking of making changes going forward tho, and as others mentioned, it's not particularly promising: Looks like they let go some of the better reporters (Stark/Werder, entire NHL staff), and doubled down on the talking heads. I guess those shows end up doing well, despite most ppl claiming to hate them...

but as I look at the list of names being laid off - and truthfully, I do not know all of them - but it seems to be populated with the ESPNers who were actually thoughtful and measured in their approach to sports broadcasting.

I see the loudest and most self-aggrandizing personalities seem to be safe.

Considering it is those types of people/shows that make me and others want to watch ESPN less, it would seem ESPN isn't learning their lesson easily.

In comment 13445140 LG in NYC said:

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but as I look at the list of names being laid off - and truthfully, I do not know all of them - but it seems to be populated with the ESPNers who were actually thoughtful and measured in their approach to sports broadcasting. I see the loudest and most self-aggrandizing personalities seem to be safe. Considering it is those types of people/shows that make me and others want to watch ESPN less, it would seem ESPN isn't learning their lesson easily.

"I see the loudest and most self-aggrandizing personalities seem to be safe."

Which causes me to conclude ESPN hasn't learned a damn thing.

and beer commercials and NASCAR and rednecks.

What happened to the fishing shows? They were wildly popular. Same with tractor pulls and shooting contests. That's what real America watches.

Give the people what they want.

for years followed by the sudden concern for people's jobs is a bit phony IMO.

In comment 13444222 PaulBlakeTSU said:

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and Jim Caple to the list. Katz is a big loss. Re: Doug Glanville. He is an intelligent guy. That has no place at ESPN anymore.

ANDY KATZ WOW. CBS or BTN should sign him today.

In comment 13445072 Suburbanites said:

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Britt McHenry added to the list.

Outside of Steven A. she's the other main name I'm glad got whacked. Karma's a bitch.

ESPN pushed for a higher rate in exchange for less subscriber protection. This was their real issue, IMO.

Also, they grew operating income last fiscal year. This isn't a dead business.

ESPN isn't going to die, but their economics are almost certainly going to get worse in the future.

In comment 13445212 shockeyisthebest8056 said:

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for years followed by the sudden concern for people's jobs is a bit phony IMO.

f

That is stupid. Hating Chris Berman or Stephen A. Smith or some stupid show has nothing to do with feeling bad about some reporter or office worker getting fired.

In comment 13443413 Kevin in CT said:

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.

Damn I liked her. Leggy.

In comment 13445140 LG in NYC said:

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but as I look at the list of names being laid off - and truthfully, I do not know all of them - but it seems to be populated with the ESPNers who were actually thoughtful and measured in their approach to sports broadcasting. I see the loudest and most self-aggrandizing personalities seem to be safe. Considering it is those types of people/shows that make me and others want to watch ESPN less, it would seem ESPN isn't learning their lesson easily.

its like when the Food Network got rid of all the people who were actually chefs in favor of entertainers. That's Bourdain's take about FNC but I can't disagree.

In comment 13445583 Bill L said:

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In comment 13445140 LG in NYC said: Quote: but as I look at the list of names being laid off - and truthfully, I do not know all of them - but it seems to be populated with the ESPNers who were actually thoughtful and measured in their approach to sports broadcasting. I see the loudest and most self-aggrandizing personalities seem to be safe. Considering it is those types of people/shows that make me and others want to watch ESPN less, it would seem ESPN isn't learning their lesson easily. its like when the Food Network got rid of all the people who were actually chefs in favor of entertainers. That's Bourdain's take about FNC but I can't disagree.

FN not FNC

Sire, McCarthy.

I guess they were over 35 or so, so time to upgrade with some fresh babes out of college - hopefully some SEC chicks.

This is the fundamental issue that people miss when they try to make the Worldwide Leader's woes about programming.

The cable model of TV is on its way out. It may take a long time for it to really die, but long before then ESPN will be unable to keep its lights on without cash infusions from their mouse overlord.