The way we consume news is rapidly changing and media companies are quickly changing their workflows to best utilize their resources.
It is no surprise companies will go through layoffs to cut costs and change business strategies, and ESPN has become one of the latest big news organizations to announce such plans.
ESPN president John Skipper first sent a memo to the company highlighting the changes that need to be made. ESPN later published a shorter memo written by six of Skipper’s top executives further explaining the need to change their content strategies based on how people consume news.
According to a tweet from journalist and author James Miller, the layoff process began Wednesday morning.
Hearing this from several inside @espn. “Phone calls have begun.”
— jamesmiller (@JimMiller) April 26, 2017
Here’s an ongoing list of ESPN reporters, writers, on-air personalities and other staff who have just received word that they are being laid off. Many have taken to Twitter to share the news they received.
Brett McMurphy, ESPN college football insider
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) April 26, 2017
Ed Werder, NFL reporter
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
Paul Kuharsky, Tennessee Titans reporter
Knew cuts were coming. Sad to say nine great years at ESPN end for me in July. Please stay tuned to @Midday180.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 24, 2017
Scott Burnside, ESPN.com NHL columnist
After 13 years of sticks and pucks can share that as of today my tenure at ESPN is at a close. I look forward to the next adventure.
— Scott Burnside (@OvertimeScottB) April 26, 2017
Mike Goodman, soccer writer
And hey, it turns out one of those people is me. Loved my time at ESPN, and now it’s time to figure out what’s next.
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) April 26, 2017
Brendan Fitzgerald, ESPNU anchor
I was treated great by #ESPN during my 3 years. Time to find out what’s next. Will miss all the great people I worked with! #ToTheNextStep pic.twitter.com/ZIBHFvFZeJ
— Brendan Fitzgerald (@BrendanFitzESPN) April 26, 2017
Dana O’Neil, college basketball reporter
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
Joe McDonald, hockey writer
After nearly eight years of covering the NHL, MLB and the NFL at ESPN, it’s time for the next chapter in my career.
— Joe McDonald (@MrMomJoeyMac) April 26, 2017
Pierre LeBrun, NHL columnist
Want to thank https://t.co/r6GdLhHkPg for 9 fun years. Absolutely loved the gig. And very much look forward to continuing my work at TSN/RDS
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 26, 2017
C.L. Brown, college basketball reporter, ESPN.com
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
Derek Tyson, SEC recruiting analyst
After 5 incredible years, I was laid off today by ESPN. I met & worked w/ some great people & I am very grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) April 26, 2017
Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN Dallas columnist
It’s ironic ESPN laid me off the same day as my first partner on the cowboys @Edwerderespn. I haven’t been a FA in forever. This shud be fun
— Jean-Jacques Taylor (@JJT_ESPNDallas) April 26, 2017
Eamonn Brennan, college basketball writer
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
Jane McManus, ESPNW reporter
Super Bowls, The Trifecta and stories like the one up now are the moments I’ll take with me into free agency starting tomorrow.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) April 26, 2017
Max Olson, Big 12 reporter
I got laid off by ESPN today after an amazing 5+ years. I’ve been unbelievably fortunate. Better days ahead.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 26, 2017
Doug Padilla, Los Angeles Dodgers reporter
Rough day. Just learned I will no longer be covering the Dodgers. Enjoyed my 7 years at ESPN. On to the next chapter.
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) April 26, 2017
Johnette Howard, columnist
I just found out I’m among the layoffs at ESPN today. Enjoyed my eight years there immensely. Looking forward to what’s next.
— Johnette Howard (@JohnetteHoward) April 26, 2017
Danny Kanell, radio host
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
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
David Ching, SEC Football reporter
Some personal news pic.twitter.com/jLvoHel3Iv
— David Ching (@ESPNChing) April 26, 2017
Jayson Stark, MLB writer
For 17 yrs I’ve had a dream job covering baseball for ESPN. Today is my last day. Thanks to all the great people at ESPN, MLB & all of you!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 26, 2017
Brian Bennett, Big Ten reporter
Like far too many other ESPN colleagues today, I’ve been laid off. Enjoyed nine great years here. Thanks for reading and following along.
— Brian Bennett (@BennettESPN) April 26, 2017
Trent Dilfer, NFL analyst
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDime) April 26, 2017
Ted Miller, PAC 12 reporter
Started at ESPN in 2008, but my tenure ended today. Worked w/ some great folks who are now friends. Onward to new challenges.
— Ted Miller (@TedMillerRK) April 26, 2017
Ethan Sherwood Strauss, NBA reporter
So, I am no longer with ESPN, as of today. I want to thank all the great people I’ve worked with and, of course, the readers + listeners
— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) April 26, 2017
Jay Crawford, SportsCenter anchor
After 14 wonderful years my time at espn is over. From Cold Pizza to First Take to SC I made more friends than I can name. Forever grateful! pic.twitter.com/WNkUGuXeVl
— Jay Crawford (@jaycrawfordespn) April 26, 2017
Melissa Isaacson, ESPN columnist
Sorry to get the call from ESPN this a.m., but grateful for my eight years there and trying to positively look ahead.
— Melissa Isaacson (@mkisaacson) April 26, 2017
Calvin Watkins, Houston Rockets reporter
After seven great years at ESPN I’ve been let go. Much respect to all the people.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 26, 2017
Len Elmore, College basketball analyst
Gee, I feel like I am now part of an exclusive club. #ESPNLayoff. For 21 yrs. I tried to represent the best in college hoops. Adios Bristol!
— Len Elmore (@LenElmore) April 26, 2017
Ashley Fox, NFL analyst
I had a great 6+ years at ESPN, but it’s over. I will badly miss all the talented folks there, many of whom I call dear friends. #Onward
— Ashley Fox (@AshleyFoxESPN) April 26, 2017
Robin Lundberg, radio host
Today was my last day on air at ESPN Radio. On to the next…I’ll let everyone know what that is when I do. pic.twitter.com/1wTnGfRVcW
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) April 26, 2017
Justin Verrier, New Orleans Pelicans reporter
No longer at ESPN. Thank you to everyone who read and supported me throughout my 9 years there. Means more than you can know.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) April 26, 2017
Chantel Jennings, College sports reporter
Like many others, I got the call today from ESPN that today would be my last with them. A few parting words: https://t.co/pBfnewUHIG
— Chantel Jennings (@ChantelJennings) April 26, 2017
Rufus Peabody, Predictive analytics expert at ESPN
Just found out ESPN is not renewing my contract for next fb season. Learned a lot and had a lot of fun! Grateful to ESPN for the opportunity
— Rufus Peabody (@RufusPeabody) April 26, 2017
Chris Hassel, SportsCenter anchor
Grateful for all the opportunities I had in my 4+ years at ESPN. Many great people lost their jobs today. But many other greats remain.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) April 26, 2017
Jaymee Sire, SportsCenter anchor
I was only at ESPN for 4 years, but they were some of the best of my career. Thanks to all of the fans and to my entire SportsCenterAM crew. pic.twitter.com/gxKuUh13ck
— Jaymee Sire (@jaymee) April 26, 2017
Roger Cossack, legal analyst
Time to go. Thanks to ESPN for allowing me to be their legal analyst for 13 years. Made great friends and have wonderful memories.
— Roger Cossack (@RogerCossack) April 26, 2017
Dottie Pepper, golf commentator
My time with ESPN comes to a close today as I join the sidelines with so many other talented… https://t.co/8wV4O1H3G2
— Dottie Pepper (@Dottie_Pepper) April 26, 2017
Greg Ostendorf, SEC Reporter
Growing up, working for ESPN was the dream. Today was my last day after 5+ years, but I feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity.
— Greg Ostendorf (@GregO_ESPN) April 26, 2017
Reese Waters, ESPN correspondent
ESPN gave me the light and it’s time to leave stage. Sincere gratitude to those who were so kind and supportive. Sorry for the mess I made. pic.twitter.com/jr5jJpZHOe
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) April 26, 2017
Marysol Castro, Premiere Boxing Champions host
What a fast but wonderful ride. 2 yrs flew by @espn. Thx for the opportunities & wonderful friendships. I’ll miss it. On to the next one. pic.twitter.com/BKA8HanDpV
— Marysol Castro (@marysolcastro) April 26, 2017
Dave Tuley, sports gambling writer
Somewhere sports bettors cheer and somewhere dirty cops get payoffs
but there’s no joy in ViewFromVegas Nation — I’m among the ESPN layoffs— Dave Tuley (@ViewFromVegas) April 26, 2017
Tom Farrey, Enterprise reporter
Got the call. Moving on from @espn. Grateful for 21 yrs w/great people, building rep of @OTLonESPN. It’s time, w/@AspenInstSports growing.
— Tom Farrey (@TomFarrey) April 26, 2017
Jerry Punch, auto racing and college football commentator
So blessed! 30yrs as host,pxp,reporter in NASCAR,indycar, CFB,& CBB. Many drivers,owners,crew,coaches & fans, lifetime friends. Thank u ESPN
— Dr Jerry Lee Punch (@DocPunchESPN) April 26, 2017
Jade McCarthy, SportsCenter anchor
Proud of my time at ESPN-Proud of the great ppl there & those like me w a future elsewhere-Proud to soon be mom of 3 w a bright career ahead pic.twitter.com/ABhgJQkQ9f
— Jade McCarthy (@JadeMcCarthy) April 26, 2017
Jarrett Bell, NFL contributing writer/reporter
It’s my birthday! And also the day to learn that my side gig @ESPN has come to an end. Great experience. So many classy people to thank.
— Jarrett Bell (@JarrettBell) April 26, 2017
Darren Haynes, SportsCenter anchor
What an amazing ride at ESPN!! God has blessed me with more than I could ever imagine. ?? pic.twitter.com/lv2goTgwVG
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) April 26, 2017
David Hirshey, Soccer writer
Will Leitch confirms
Sources*: ESPN has ended David Hirshey’s run as ESPNFC soccer writer. Add him to your running lists. (*Source is David Hirshey.)
— Will Leitch (@williamfleitch) April 26, 2017
Josh Parcell, producer at ESPN
When I was 5 years old my teacher told me I’d work at ESPN one day. I did. Today that dream ended. Thankful for the time I had. More to come
— Josh Parcell (@JoshParcell) April 26, 2017
Doug Glanville, MLB Analyst Pictured with Ken Griffey Jr. (right) on March 13
Raul Ibanez and Dallas Braden, MLB analysts
Charles Arbuckle, College football analyst
Jim Caple, sports columnist
It was rough day being part of ESPN’s layoffs but I had a remarkable career there, covering sports on six continents. Will miss it deeply.
— Jim Caple (@jimcaple) April 27, 2017
Andy Katz, College basketball reporter Seth Greenberg comments on Andy Katz:
The best teammate I ever worked with was let go yesterday. @ESPNAndyKatz is incredibly talented & the most genuine & sincere person I know.
— Seth Greenberg (@SethOnHoops) April 27, 2017
David Lombardi, college football reporter
Working at ESPN was a dream, grateful to have lived it. Now time to reach the next one. Thanks to so many. Got to work with some of the best
— David Lombardi (@LombardiESPN) April 26, 2017
Steve Delsohn, Reporter, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines”
The excellent reporter @sdelsohnespn reached out to say his ESPN contract is not being renewed. A quality journo.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 27, 2017
Jeff Biggs, ESPN 710 radio host
Sad to announce that my nearly 6 year run is done at ESPN L.A. It was truly a blessing. All part of God’s plan. I’m excited for what’s next.
— Jeff Biggs (@biggs_jeff) April 26, 2017
Britt McHenry, reporter
Staying on the NFL Draft as my last assignment. Grateful for 3 years at ESPN. My colleagues became best friends & I’ll cherish that the most pic.twitter.com/YHZeutahTS
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) April 27, 2017
Doug McIntyre, soccer writer
After 13 wonderful years at ESPN, I’m proud that this feature on @ATLUTD wound up being my final piece: https://t.co/JOpL8Jcvyq
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) April 27, 2017