Changing times in sports broadcasting have resulted in ESPN’s second round of layoffs in less than two years, this time including names familiar to the fan base, including longtime NFL reporter Ed Werder on the eve of the NFL draft.
“A necessary component of managing change involves constantly evaluating how we best utilize all of our resources, and that sometimes involves difficult decisions,” network president John Skipper wrote in a message sent to employees on Wednesday.
“Our content strategy — primarily illustrated in recent months by melding distinct, personality-driven SportsCenter TV editions and digital-only efforts with our biggest sub-brand — still needs to go further, faster … and as always, must be efficient and nimble. 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. 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.”
Today’s action is believed the be the sole decision of the executive staff at ESPN not influence or pressure from parent company Disney, who has watched as ESPN’s subscriber base has deteriorated. And that has been the two-pronged problem for the worldwide leader in recent years – rising costs to acquire live event broadcasts rights, and eroding subscriber base as more people cut the cord from cable subscriptions and look for other ways to engage with sports programming.
From our reporting so far, layoffs include:
NFL reporter Ed Werder
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
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) April 26, 2017
While surprised and disappointed, I was fortunate to have worked @espn with so many devoted, talented journalists. I will always be grateful
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) April 26, 2017
Football analyst and Radio host Danny Kanell
Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go "all in" 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
Jean-Jacques Taylor, reporter on the Dallas beat
It's ironic ESPN laid me off the same day as my first partner on the cowboys @Edwerderespn. I haven't been a FA in forever. This shud be fun
— Jean-Jacques Taylor (@JJT_Journalist) April 26, 2017
Former Nationals and Reds General Manager Jim Bowden
I feel blessed & privileged to have worked @ESPN and most importantly work w/ so many great people.Thank you. I look forward to what's next
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenMLB) April 26, 2017
During the midst of the Stanley Cup playoffs, ESPN guts their hockey coverage sending a clear message they won’t spend much time on the ice moving forward.
Longtime Hockey writer Pierre LeBrun
Well folks, as you can tell by my new Twitter handle, I was also among the cuts today at ESPN.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 26, 2017
Want to thank https://t.co/r6GdLhHkPg for 9 fun years. Absolutely loved the gig. And very much look forward to continuing my work at TSN/RDS
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 26, 2017
Hockey columnist Scott Burnside
After 13 years of sticks and pucks can share that as of today my tenure at ESPN is at a close. I look forward to the next adventure.
— Scott Burnside (@OvertimeScottB) April 26, 2017
Hockey writer Joe McDonald
After nearly eight years of covering the NHL, MLB and the NFL at ESPN, it's time for the next chapter in my career.
— Joe McDonald (@MrMomJoeyMac) April 26, 2017
St. Louis Cardinals reporter Mark Saxon
Well, I'm a free agent. I learned a lot in eight years with ESPN and benefitted from being around a lot of smart people
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) April 26, 2017
Dodgers Reporter Mark Padilla
Rough day. Just learned I will no longer be covering the Dodgers. Enjoyed my 7 years at ESPN. On to the next chapter.
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 26, 2017
College football scribe Brett McMurphy
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) April 26, 2017
College Basketball writers Eamonn Brennan and Dana O’Neil
Bad news morning. I loved every bit of my eight years at ESPN and will miss it, and so many friends and colleagues there, profoundly.
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) April 26, 2017
Add me to the list. Just got the 'call.' I've been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 26, 2017
Big Ten reporters Austin Ward and Jesse Temple
I've been informed that I'm no longer employed at ESPN. Greatly enjoyed covering the B1G, and will immediately try to find a new challenge!
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) April 26, 2017
Like other colleagues, I've been informed I am no longer working for ESPN. This is a crummy day, but I'll never stop pursuing my passion.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) April 26, 2017
Columnist Johnette Howard
I just found out I'm among the layoffs at ESPN today. Enjoyed my eight years there immensely. Looking forward to what's next.
— Johnette Howard (@JohnetteHoward) April 26, 2017
College basketball Reporter C.L. Brown
Landed in Madrid. Turned on phone 1st time all vacation. Got texts asking if job was safe. Found out it was not. Enjoyed my 4 years, ESPN.
— C.L. Brown (@clscribe) April 26, 2017
SEC recruiting analyst Derek Tyson
After 5 incredible years, I was laid off today by ESPN. I met & worked w/ some great people & I am very grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Derek Tyson (@DerekJTyson) April 26, 2017
College Football Recruiting reporter Jeremy Crabtree
Six years ago, made most difficult decision ever made leaving @Rivals to come to @ESPN. Even after being laid off today, I don’t regret it.
— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) April 26, 2017
Soccer writer Mike Goodman
And hey, it turns out one of those people is me. Loved my time at ESPN, and now it's time to figure out what's next.
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) April 26, 2017
ESPNU anchor Brendan Fitzgerald
This morning: Got laid off, went to dentist.
But… BUT: No need for fillings. Things turning around quickly.#PositiveThoughts— Brendan Fitzgerald (@BrendanFitzTV) April 26, 2017
Tennessee Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky
Knew cuts were coming. Sad to say nine great years at ESPN end for me in July. Please stay tuned to @Midday180.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 24, 2017
The list continues:
Trent Dilfer (NFL)
Jayson Stark (MLB)
Jade McCarthy (SportsCenter anchor)
Jaymee Sire (SportsCenter anchor)
Chris Hassel (SportsCenter anchor)
Jay Crawford (SportsCenter anchor)
Darren Hayes (SportsCenter anchor)
Jayson Star (baseball)
Jarrett Bell (NFL)
Ashley Fox (NFL)
Justin Verrier (NBA)
Ethan Strauss (NBA)
Calvin Watkins (NBA)
Greg Ostendorf (college football)
Jesse Temple (college football)
Brian Bennett (college football)
Max Olson (college football)
Ted Miller (college football)
David Ching (college football)
C.L. Brown (college basketball)
Len Elmore (college basketball)
Dana O’Neil (college basketball)
Chantel Jennings (college sports)
Robin Lundberg (radio host)
Dottie Pepper (golf)
Marysol Castro (boxing)
Jane McManus (ESPNW)
Roger Cossack (legal analyst)
Jerry Punch (auto racing, etc.)
Dave Tuley (sports betting writer)
Rufus Peabody (predictive analyst)
Melissa Isaacson (columnist)
Tom Farrey (reporter)
Reese Waters (correspondent)
We will continue to update throughout the day as more information becomes available.
In October 2015 ESPN laid off approximately 300 people, primarily consisting of people who work behind the scenes. This was the first deep cut into the 1,000 or so “front-facing” employees at the worldwide leader in sports, and a much larger amount of labor cost reduction.
