Sports TV News
ESPN Layoffs Have Begun, Here’s What We Know
Published
2 years agoon
By
BSM Staff
ESPN will cut 300 jobs and leave 200 open positions unfilled. It is part of the Walt Disney Company’s restructuring to focus more on its direct-to-consumer digital products. Also at the heart of these layoffs appears to be ESPN’s desire to add more NFL play-by-play and the need to free up money to make that a reality.
We are keeping an updated list of folks that we know are out in Bristol. These are some of the best people in the industry at what they do.
Ivan Maisel – College Football Writer (Contract not renewed, will exit in January)
I came to work at ESPN 18 years ago today, on Nov. 5, 2002, as the first college football writer at https://t.co/01M4kGwztH. On the day that my employment became an adult, ESPN informed me that upon expiration of my contract on Jan. 31, I will no longer be working here. 1/
— Ivan Maisel (@Ivan_Maisel) November 5, 2020
Vince Kates – Radio Producer
‘Do what you love, Love what you do’.
— Vincent Kates (@VinceKates) November 9, 2020
I did for almost 21 years to the day, before getting that call. Proud of my role in the most successful years at ESPN Radio and excited for the next chapter…and to again love what I do. Love to all the incredibly talented people affected
Seth Horwitz – Content Producer
1) Unfortunately, my 20-year ESPN career is coming to an end. I was blessed to have a great run, working with so many talented people. I had a dream job and loved every day I was there. My memories are fond and I feel fortunate to have all the great opportunities I did.
— Seth Horwitz (@SethMHorwitz) November 5, 2020
Elida Wiithoeft – Coordinating Editor
I'm sorry about all of the vitriol over the ESPN layoffs on Twitter today. I'm one of the people who lost my job. I worked there more than 22 years. I'm luckier than most. A lot of good people are losing their jobs. It's nothing to celebrate. It's a very sad day in Bristol.
— Elida Witthoeft (@elidawitthoeft) November 5, 2020
Chris Cote – Dan Le Batard Show Producer
I’m saddened to announce that I was part of the ESPN layoffs that took place last week. I’m forever grateful for the genuinely good people I got to know and work with over the last 5 years…
— Chris Cote (@ChrisCoteDKings) November 8, 2020
Chris Peters – NHL Draft and Prospects Analyst
Sad to say I am one of those caught in ESPN’s cuts today. Could not be more thankful to have had the chance to work with some incredible people. Got to live my dream for a few years and do some of the best work of my career. Still have some stuff coming before I’m done, too.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) November 5, 2020
Mike Antoniou- ESPN Radio Producer
After 13 years at @ESPNRadio I was part of the layoffs today Thank you to all the co-workers who made the job a blast & odd hours seem normal. Thanks to all the hosts that entertained me while making me a better producer. Will cherish my time there forever. On to bigger & better. pic.twitter.com/vBYL38KeNh
— Mike Antoniou (@MikeASports) November 5, 2020
Arty Berko – Investigative Reporter
Ali Bronson – ESPN Radio Producer
ESPN was the dream. It was the only job I ever talked about wanting as a little girl. I got to live out my dream for 13 years and it was everything I dreamed of. I will forever be proud of the work I did. I’m heartbroken that I was part of the layoffs today…
— Ali Bronson (@AliBronsonPods) November 6, 2020
Sean Morrison – eSports Writer
Hey, everyone. Unfortunately, I just found out that I am being laid off. I'm not sure what comes next. For now, I'm just reflecting on how proud I am of this group and the growth @ESPN_Esports had this year. Being here for it is one of the highlights of my journalism career.
— Sean Morrison (@sean_morrison) November 5, 2020
Ashley Braband – Content Producer
Got the layoff call. Over the last 13 years I’ve been lucky to make some really cool stuff w/some really talented people. (Big thanks to SN, Bldg 5, Always Late, and the Sports? family.) I don’t know what’s next yet, beyond bringing this bottle of wine with me into the bathtub ❤️
— Ashley Braband (@AshleyBraband) November 6, 2020
Brian Bencomo – eSports Writer
Emily Rand – eSports Writer
Hi all, I've just received word that my contract with ESPN will not be renewed for 2021. I'm sad for all of my colleagues at ESPN who have also been affected by this round of layoffs and additionally thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such amazing people.
— Emily Rand (@leagueofemily) November 6, 2020
Pauk Kix – Writer/Podcaster
Claire Smith – Baseball Writer
In 1981, I wrote a sidebar at a @Phillies game— my first baseball byline. Wanted to reach a 40th season of coverage, but heck, if 39 was good enough for Campy, it’s good enough for me. I thank @ESPN & the amazing friends/family there for an extraordinary 13 years. I 💖 you all.
— Claire Smith ⚾️ (@MzCSmith) November 6, 2020
Howard Chen – Producer/Reporter (Contract not renewed)
Just got the call from @espn. It's been a pleasure. Still got a few months left. Life comes at you fast
— Howard Chen 陈定豪 (@TheHoChen) November 5, 2020
Jim Barrero – ESPN.com Senior Editor
Add me to the list. I've survived countless rounds of layoffs in my 30 years in journalism, but not the one today at ESPN. I am so proud to work on a copy desk with so many wonderful people and I will miss the camaraderie and the chemistry we had. Free agency is in the future.
— Jim Barrero (@jimbarrero) November 6, 2020
Ty Wegner – Writer/Editor
I'm sorry to report that I was one of the hundreds of people who lost their job at ESPN today. I have nothing but affection for everyone I worked with there the past 10 years. If anyone needs a tireless editor who's passionate about storytelling, reach me at: wenger.ty@gmail.com.
— Ty Wenger (@TyWenger) November 5, 2020
Lisa James – Producer
(1/2) I’m one of the people at ESPN who lost their job. I worked there for almost 16 years. I am not interested in bitterness. At ESPN, I got to work with my sports idol @MagicJohnson for years. I got to produce NBA Countdown and go to 12 NBA finals as a researcher and producer.
— Lisa James (@LisaJames32) November 5, 2020
Jody Roberts – Highlight Producer
I started at ESPN when I was 20 and fresh out of college; it’s the only job I’ve ever known. You move to Bristol not knowing anyone, and the people you meet truly become your family. After nearly 8 years, today I was let go in the ESPN layoffs. 1/3
— jodybobs (@jodybobs) November 5, 2020
Tom Tischio – Producer/Editor
Hey all. Unfortunately I was one of the many to be affected by the layoffs at ESPN. I've worked in all facets of production at @ESPN_Esports and I am proud of the work I got to do there. If you're looking for a producer/video editor you can reach me at tischphotos@gmail.com. ❤️
— Thomas Tischio (@tischphotos) November 6, 2020
Sports TV News
Greg Olsen To Partner With Kevin Burkhardt For Super Bowl LVII
“Last season was the first Burkhardt and Olsen worked together. They largely won rave reviews.”
Published
4 hours agoon
May 20, 2022By
BSM Staff
The deal isn’t done yet, but Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reports that Greg Olsen is on his way to joining Kevin Burkhardt in the top NFL booth at FOX. Although Tom Brady will take over that role after he retires and leaves the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Olsen will spend at least this season on FOX’s A-Team.
Last season was the first Burkhardt and Olsen worked together. They largely won rave reviews.
Earlier this year, the former Panther told The Mac Attack on WFNZ in Charlotte that he was disappointed he didn’t get to call a postseason game. He will more than make up for that in 2023. As Burkhardt’s partner, Olsen is in line to be the analyst for Super Bowl LVII.
Marchand writes that we could get a taste of what is to come in February. He speculates that if the Buccaneers are not in the Super Bowl, it is possible Tom Brady could make his FOX debut, either in the booth alongside Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen or as part of the network’s studio show.
Now, FOX has to make a decision about it’s number 2 NFL booth. According to Marchand, Drew Brees is a candidate to be the analyst. Adam Amin and Joe Davis have emerged as candidates for the play-by-play role.
Sports TV News
Poll Data Shows Tepid Response To Tom Brady Joining FOX
“A recent Harris Poll conducted on behalf of Front Office Sports showed that 1 in 3 Americans are more likely to watch a game with Brady on the microphone.”
Published
1 day agoon
May 19, 2022
FOX Sports reportedly signed Tom Brady to a 10-year deal worth $375 million to make the seven-time Super Bowl champion the new lead analyst for its top NFL broadcast once his playing career is over.
A recent Harris Poll conducted on behalf of Front Office Sports showed that 1 in 3 Americans are more likely to watch a game with Brady on the microphone.
The poll said 2 in 5 NFL fans have a better opinion of FOX Sports following the deal, with 41% of NFL fans being at least somewhat more likely to watch a game with Brady as an analyst.
Data shows one-third of NFL fans think the deal Brady reportedly agreed to is worth about the same as its reported value.
That reaction could probably be described as “tepid”. That may be exactly what FOX expects and maybe all it wants.
Last week, Domonique Foxworth of ESPN suggested that the paycheck is less about what the network thinks Tom Brady means to viewers and more about showing the NFL that the network values its product.
Jordan Bondurant
Jordan Bondurant is a features reporter for Barrett News Media. He also works for ABC8 News and Newsradio WRVA and 910 The Fan in Richmond, Virginia. His prior experiences include working for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Danville Register & Bee, Virginia Lawyers Weekly and iHeartradio Richmond. He can be reached by email at Jordan.E.Bondurant@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @J__Bondurant.
Sports TV News
FOX Not Interested In Joining Streaming Sports Wars
“All this fight that’s going on, sort of gladiatorial kind of bloodshed, is really for that last position, right, in the three to four services that people will take?”
Published
1 day agoon
May 19, 2022
The CEO of FOX doesn’t plan on forking over billions of dollars to be people’s last choice for paid streaming services.
Lachlan Murdoch said at a time when more than 80% of American homes already have some kind of paid streaming service, it’s not worthwhile to jump on that train.
Amazon, Netflix and Disney+ typically account for the average streaming presence in a household.
“All this fight that’s going on, sort of gladiatorial kind of bloodshed, is really for that last position, right, in the three to four services that people will take,” Murdoch said at a tech conference earlier this year. “And so the billions of dollars that’s being spent by multiple aspirants is all for that last position. And so we are extraordinarily — I want to say that — we’re happy to be sort of sitting on the sidelines.”
Murdoch told Benjamin Swinburne that when it comes to the NFL, FOX’s media rights are the same as CBS, NBC and ESPN. The main focus for the company remains on keeping games on TV.
“We don’t believe it helps us to put those rights under a streaming service or free on over-the-air. We think it’s very important that those rights remain exclusive to the broadcast environment,” Murdoch said.
FOX does stream games through its app, but it is only the games it is also carrying on its broadcast network or FS1.
Jordan Bondurant
Jordan Bondurant is a features reporter for Barrett News Media. He also works for ABC8 News and Newsradio WRVA and 910 The Fan in Richmond, Virginia. His prior experiences include working for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Danville Register & Bee, Virginia Lawyers Weekly and iHeartradio Richmond. He can be reached by email at Jordan.E.Bondurant@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @J__Bondurant.
