Earlier this year, we learned that ESPN would be laying off staff in waves over the course of the year. The first round included staff behind the camera. Now it is being reported that about 20 on-air staff members will be cut starting today. ESPN layoffs have been expected for months, and the third round is slated to begin. This time, on-air talents are going to be on the chopping block along with other staffers. It is being reported ESPN will cut hosts and anchors who do not hold multiple positions across the network. Thought that, for now, is just speculation.
According to Michael McCarthy, he has confirmed that the on-air layoffs have started.
Disney, ESPN’s parent company, announced back in February the company would be rolling out three rounds of layoffs. A total of 7,000 employees will be laid off during these phases. Back in April of this year, ESPN laid off 300 staffers.
In a memo sent to staffers last April, Disney stated:
“As we advance as a core segment of Disney, with operational control and financial responsibility, we must further identify ways to be efficient and nimble. We will continue to focus our workforce on initiatives that are most closely aligned with our critical priorities and emphasize decision-making and responsibility deeper into the organization. That said, I do not want to minimize the enormous toll of saying goodbye to dedicated colleagues that have worked tirelessly to strengthen ESPN and deliver for sports fans. The people of ESPN, and their constant resolve to get the job done, to excel and to innovate, have built this place. We will act with compassion, respect for our colleagues, and professionalism as we face these hard circumstances.”
Disney is cutting staff across all divisions in an effort to decrease operational costs to increase quarterly profit margins. The company does not plan to hire replacements for jobs cut to keep company costs down throughout its entertainment department.
This is the third and (hopefully) final round of terminations, although no one knows for sure if there will be additional layoffs towards the end of this month. It is also the first round to include on-air personalities. So far though Disney has been following the reported plans to lay staff off in three waves at ESPN.