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ESPN lays off about 100 employees, including Danny Kanell, Ed Werder

By Leora Arnowitz , Fox News
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ESPN lays off about 100 employees, including longtime hosts Video

ESPN lays off about 100 employees, including longtime hosts

Sports broadcasting network ESPN lays off about 100 staff employees, including longtime hosts and contributors

It’s a dark day at ESPN.

The sports broadcasting network sent a memo to employees early Wednesday, informing them that a series of previously announced layoffs would take place today. Familiar faces like Ed Werder, Danny Kanell, Len Elmore, Jayson Stark, Trent Dilfer and Brett McMurphy are among those who have been let go.

The total number of employees cut will be around 100, Fox News has learned.

ed werder espn media zone

ESPN (Ed Werder broadcasting for ESPN.)

The memo, from ESPN President John Skipper, noted that the network’s new talent lineup will be announced soon.

“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,” Skipper wrote to employees. “We will implement changes in our talent lineup this week. 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.”

ESPN TO CUT ON-AIR TALENT

A source with knowlege of the situation told Fox News that despite buzz that the planned number of layoffs has grown in recent weeks, the gameplan was always to cut around 100 people.

ESPN also outlined the network’s new strategy in a post on its media website published Wednesday. The company is placing an increased focused on its ESPN App with a “multi-screen approach around big events.”

“On the horizon is more live news video and enhanced video and audio streaming,” the release stated.

ESPN also plans to bolster its online presence.

“Our goal continues to be to maximize our unparalleled scale in every medium with storytelling that stands out and makes a difference. We are well-equipped to thrive going forward by embracing these themes."

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