ESPN starts layoffs tied to NFL Network acquisition, memo says - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reports that ESPN has begun a significant round of layoffs, its first major staff reduction in three years, following its takeover of NFL Network in April. AP said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro informed employees in a Tuesday morning memo that most of the cuts are connected to the company’s acquisition of NFL Network and other NFL digital assets.

According to AP, the transaction was announced last August and included NFL Fantasy and distribution rights for the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators. The NFL received a 10% equity stake in ESPN as part of the deal. Regulators approved the agreement in January, and NFL Network employees formally joined ESPN on April 1.

Pitaro’s memo, obtained by AP, said ESPN had spent recent months integrating the NFL assets and reviewing teams, resources and structure. He said most affected jobs were tied to the acquisition, though some employees elsewhere in the company were also being notified. AP reported that many of the layoffs involve production and other behind-the-scenes roles, but some on-air personalities were also affected.

Among those named by AP were former NFL analyst Ryan Clark, longtime baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech and NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. AP reported, citing a person familiar with the matter, that Clark was told of his layoff while appearing on “NFL Live” after reports began to surface. The cuts come as AP says other reductions are also taking place across ESPN parent Walt Disney Company.