ESPN brands itself as "the worldwide leader in sports." Today, the organization lost a lot of people who had helped keep that brand alive. On air personalities and other reporters for the organization were targeted in an effort by the company to cut costs and increase profits. A long list of people who have been released from ESPN was revealed on Twitter. Let's take a look at a few of the high profile names.
NFL Reporter Ed Werder.
One of the more shocking names that has been released by ESPN is Ed Werder. The man had been with the organization for 17 years, and had no plans to retire.
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 (@Edwerderespn) April 26, 2017
It's tough to see a guy who has given so much to ESPN forced to leave. But that's the harsh reality of business, and for many others, it was also a harsh reality.
Dana O'Neil and Eamonn Brennan
The college basketball reporters passionately covered the NCAA and the tournament this season, but will not get the chance to next year. Both writers have been released from their positions and will have to seek out opportunity elsewhere. Both were thankful for their time at ESPN.
Add me to the list. Just got the 'call.' I've been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
— Dana O'Neil (@ESPNDanaOneil) April 26, 2017
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
But Dana wasn't willing to go down without a fight, suggesting that the collapse of ESPN could be imminent.
In fact, there were whispers that the culture at ESPN was going down an uncomfortable path prior to the layoffs.
One of the best and the brightest. This business is a disaster. https://t.co/wrtBHMqT0U
— Dana O'Neil (@ESPNDanaOneil) April 26, 2017
C.L. Brown.
But those two weren't the only college basketball reporters who lost their jobs, as Brown learned of his job loss on vacation.
He thanked ESPN for the 4 years on Twitter and will now search for a new job with another organization.
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 (@clbrownespn) April 26, 2017
Again, this is part of business, but it's sad to see that so many experienced employees are being forced to say goodbye to their employers.
ESPN's Future.
The future of ESPN is now truly in doubt. It's time for the organization to take a serious look at where it spends it money and how it spends its money. TV rights and deals have gone down immensely in value with the advent of video streaming, which is being used by the younger generation more.
The TV deals that ESPN once thought were extremely lucrative have now turned into costs that drain the profit of the business and force job losses at the company. For now, these layoffs are business moves intended to help the profit at ESPN. But it could certainly be a sign that ESPN needs to manage its finances better and is headed down the wrong path. This should be a lesson for ESPN and all its executives. Heed the warning signs wisely; otherwise, the company will go bankrupt.
