ESPN is going to start laying people off next week, as part of the efforts by its parent company Disney to cut costs.
The network, which used to cover sports exclusively, has made the mistake of embracing woke politics in recent years.
This is most certainly having a negative effect on their bottom line.
CNBC reports:
ESPN to begin layoffs early next week as part of Disney cost cuts, sources say
ESPN will begin layoffs early next week as part of parent company Disney’s cost cutting efforts, according to people familiar with the matter.
Cuts will include some on-air talent and management, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. The number of layoffs at ESPN is unclear and the decision process is still fluid.
An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.
Disney is eliminating 7,000 jobs in three rounds, with the second round happening next week, said the people. The company will also lay off about 15% of the staff in its entertainment division next week, Bloomberg reported this week.
Disney’s first round of cuts occurred last month and included its metaverse strategies unit and part of its Beijing office.
Disney is slashing costs under CEO Bob Iger as it tries to boost free cash flow as streaming losses persist. ESPN is interested in renewing a contract with the National Basketball Association and will likely have to pay a significant premium on the $1.4 billion per year rights fee it already pays the league. Renewal discussions with the NBA are already taking place, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Disney said earlier this year it plans to cut $5.5 billion in costs, including $3 billion in content spending.
ESPN laid off about 300 employees in 2020.
There are also rumors of coming pay cuts for people who don’t get laid off.
ESPN layoffs reportedly set to come in three rounds, with massive paycuts also floated for on-air talent https://t.co/d3r2dBWpdo pic.twitter.com/Ki1oSzpkzM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 19, 2023
Some news: ESPN’s layoffs will begin early next week and will affect both mgmt and on-air talent. https://t.co/cQpwn5jYXx
— Alex Sherman (@sherman4949) April 19, 2023
Who is even watching this network anymore?
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