ESPN’s cost-cutting measures that have become a significant source of strife at the company in recent months are likely about to claim another high-profile victim: Keith Olbermann.
Two years after President John Skipper brought Keith Olbermann back to ESPN, multiple sources within the company say that contract negotiations with Olbermann recently broke down, and according to a person with knowledge of those negotiations, there’s “a 90% chance” he won’t return to the network this Fall.
But it might not just about money. It seems ESPN is unhappy with Olbermann’s “commentary” on his weekday TV show, in which he has regularly gone after power players in sports, including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
The money issues at ESPN are undeniable. Sources say ESPN President John Skipper was recently told by Disney to slash about $100 million from the 2016 budget, and an estimated $250 million from the 2017 budget.
Money was the driving force behind the pulling of ESPN radio show Mike & Mike from its highly-publicized move to New York City. And, the studio ESPN would have used for that show is the one that currently hosts the Olbermann show.
During his contract negotiations, ESPN tried to sell Olbermann on a move to Bristol or Los Angeles – another cost-cutting attempt to save money on expensive midtown Manhattan real estate – in addition to asking him to dial down the commentary.
[UPDATE: After this post, ESPN PR said, “Keith Olbermann has never been told any topic is off limits for his commentary, nor has continuation of it been part of any conversation about his future at the company.“]
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
