ESPN Layoffs Begin For On-Air Talent: Big Names On The Chopping Block

BRISTOL, CT — A plethora of on-air personalities at ESPN will officially be shown the door, according to a Wednesday memo from network president John Skipper. The pink slips will begin to get handed out this week, he said in the memo, though one personality said Wednesday he already received his notice.

"ESPN has been actively engaged throughout its history in navigating changes in technology and fan behavior in order to continue to deliver quality, breakthrough content. Today, we are again focused on a strategic vision that will propel our vast array of networks and services forward," he said. "A necessary component of managing change involves constantly evaluating how we best utilize all of our resources, and that sometimes involves difficult decisions."

The Washington Post reported that the layoffs will include 50 familiar names and 50 viewers may or may not recognize.

ESPN has lost more than 10 million subscribers over the past few years while the costs of negotiating broadcasting deals with major sports leagues have gone up considerably, according to The New York Times,

One of them is NFL reporter Ed Werder, who Tweeted, "After 17 years reporting on the NFL, I've been informed that I'm being laid off by ESPN, effective immediately. I have no plans to retire."

Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre wasn't happy with the news of Werder's departure.

Danny Kanell Tweeted that he was a casualty — "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?

Skipper went on to mention that ESPN's content strategy in recent months has melding digital-only efforts with personality-driven SportsCenter TV editions.

"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," he said. "We will implement changes in our talent lineup this week."

Skipper added that "a limited number of other positions" will also be affected and a handful of new jobs will be posted "to fill various needs."

"These decisions impact talented people who have done great work for our company. I would like to thank all of them for their efforts and their many contributions to ESPN," Skipper said. "Our objective in all we do is to best serve fans and their changing consumption habits while still maintaining an unparalleled and diverse talent roster that resonates with fans across all our platforms. We will continue to foster creativity and investment in the products and resources necessary to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead."

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