The sports media landscape has been greatly affected by massive ESPN layoffs in the past and, earlier in November, word broke that another round was coming. Since then, more and more information emerged, ranging from the reported financial scope of the upcoming move to fallout on the training side once the layoffs were actually executed.
On Wednesday morning, though, the hammer actually dropped and ESPN released a statement from its president, John Skipper, outlining layoffs that would include “approximately 150 people.” Skipper’s sentiment indicates that “the majority of the jobs eliminated are in studio production, digital content, and technology” with the caveat that employees will be receiving severance packages and what he describes as both “a bonus” and “the continuation of health benefits and outplacement services.”
For now, there are no public specifics on just who will be laid off in Bristol but, in sharp contrast to the last round of layoffs, this one appears to be focused on individuals that operate behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera as on-air talent.
ESPN's John Skipper: "Today we are informing approximately 150 people at ESPN that their jobs are being eliminated….in studio production, digital content, and technology."
— John Ourand (@Ourand_Puck) November 29, 2017
ESPN President John Skipper just announced the ESPN layoffs. Approximately 150 ESPN employees are having their jobs eliminated.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) November 29, 2017
While these may not garner the pure attention given the relative anonymity of the people affected, it has to be emphasized that the largest single entity in sports media moving on from 150 people at this particular time is not the greatest sign for the industry at large. Details will emerge in the coming hours and days but, for now, we know that ESPN’s staff will be dramatically downsized.
