ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro explained in a memo to staff why the sports giant is doing a new round of layoffs — and which teams are hardest hit.
“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future,” Pitaro told ESPN staffers in a Tuesday morning memo, which was obtained by Business Insider.
The NFL Network was heavily impacted by the cuts, Pitaro said.
ESPN last conducted layoffs in mid-April as part of broader cuts at Disney, its parent company.
ESPN acquired the NFL Network, the NFL’s fantasy football business, and the NFL RedZone highlights show from the league in late January. In exchange, the NFL took a 10% stake in the Disney-owned sports giant, giving the league influence with a key broadcast partner.
ESPN will broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl in February. Disney-owned ABC will simulcast the big game for the first time in over 20 years.
Read the full memo from Pitaro here:
Team: Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today. While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition. Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork and our shared mission to serve sports fans. Jimmy
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