ESPN Layoffs Have Begun, Here’s What We Know

ESPN will cut 300 jobs and leave 200 open positions unfilled. It is part of the Walt Disney Company’s restructuring to focus more on its direct-to-consumer digital products. Also at the heart of these layoffs appears to be ESPN’s desire to add more NFL play-by-play and the need to free up money to make that a reality.

We are keeping an updated list of folks that we know are out in Bristol. These are some of the best people in the industry at what they do.

Ivan Maisel – College Football Writer (Contract not renewed, will exit in January)

I came to work at ESPN 18 years ago today, on Nov. 5, 2002, as the first college football writer at https://t.co/01M4kGwztH. On the day that my employment became an adult, ESPN informed me that upon expiration of my contract on Jan. 31, I will no longer be working here. 1/
— Ivan Maisel (@Ivan_Maisel) November 5, 2020

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Vince Kates – Radio Producer

‘Do what you love, Love what you do’.
I did for almost 21 years to the day, before getting that call. Proud of my role in the most successful years at ESPN Radio and excited for the next chapter…and to again love what I do. Love to all the incredibly talented people affected
— Vincent Kates (@VinceKates) November 9, 2020

Seth Horwitz – Content Producer

1) Unfortunately, my 20-year ESPN career is coming to an end. I was blessed to have a great run, working with so many talented people. I had a dream job and loved every day I was there. My memories are fond and I feel fortunate to have all the great opportunities I did.
— Seth Horwitz (@SethMHorwitz) November 5, 2020

Elida Wiithoeft – Coordinating Editor

I'm sorry about all of the vitriol over the ESPN layoffs on Twitter today. I'm one of the people who lost my job. I worked there more than 22 years. I'm luckier than most. A lot of good people are losing their jobs. It's nothing to celebrate. It's a very sad day in Bristol.
— Elida Witthoeft ???????????? (@elidawitthoeft) November 5, 2020

Chris Cote – Dan Le Batard Show Producer

I’m saddened to announce that I was part of the ESPN layoffs that took place last week. I’m forever grateful for the genuinely good people I got to know and work with over the last 5 years…
— Chris Cote (@__ChrisCote) November 8, 2020

Chris Peters – NHL Draft and Prospects Analyst

Sad to say I am one of those caught in ESPN’s cuts today. Could not be more thankful to have had the chance to work with some incredible people. Got to live my dream for a few years and do some of the best work of my career. Still have some stuff coming before I’m done, too.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) November 5, 2020

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Mike Antoniou- ESPN Radio Producer

After 13 years at @ESPNRadio I was part of the layoffs today Thank you to all the co-workers who made the job a blast & odd hours seem normal. Thanks to all the hosts that entertained me while making me a better producer. Will cherish my time there forever. On to bigger & better. pic.twitter.com/vBYL38KeNh
— Mike Antoniou (@MikeASports) November 5, 2020

Arty Berko – Investigative Reporter

Ali Bronson – ESPN Radio Producer

ESPN was the dream. It was the only job I ever talked about wanting as a little girl. I got to live out my dream for 13 years and it was everything I dreamed of. I will forever be proud of the work I did. I’m heartbroken that I was part of the layoffs today…
— Ali Bronson (@AliBronsonMedia) November 6, 2020

Sean Morrison – eSports Writer

Hey, everyone. Unfortunately, I just found out that I am being laid off. I'm not sure what comes next. For now, I'm just reflecting on how proud I am of this group and the growth @ESPN_Esports had this year. Being here for it is one of the highlights of my journalism career.
— Sean Morrison (@sean_morrison) November 5, 2020

Ashley Braband – Content Producer

Got the layoff call. Over the last 13 years I’ve been lucky to make some really cool stuff w/some really talented people. (Big thanks to SN, Bldg 5, Always Late, and the Sports? family.) I don’t know what’s next yet, beyond bringing this bottle of wine with me into the bathtub ❤️
— Ashley Braband (@AshleyBraband) November 6, 2020

Brian Bencomo – eSports Writer

Turns out I got the call today too and am one of the people who has been laid off by ESPN. It's been so much fun working here, first on the copy desk and then ESPN Esports, and I'm proud of the work my co-workers and I have done.
— Brian Bencomo (@Brian_Bencomo) November 6, 2020

Emily Rand – eSports Writer

Hi all, I've just received word that my contract with ESPN will not be renewed for 2021. I'm sad for all of my colleagues at ESPN who have also been affected by this round of layoffs and additionally thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such amazing people.
— Emily Rand (@leagueofemily) November 6, 2020

Pauk Kix – Writer/Podcaster

After nine years there, ESPN laid me off today.

I'll be looking for writing gigs, maybe some editing work. Hit me up at paul@paulkix.com. Outside of sports stuff, I've written for The New Yrkr, GQ, New York, blah, blah. First book, The Saboteur, was optioned by DreamWorks.
— Paul Kix (@paulkix) November 5, 2020

Claire Smith – Baseball Writer

In 1981, I wrote a sidebar at a @Phillies game— my first baseball byline. Wanted to reach a 40th season of coverage, but heck, if 39 was good enough for Campy, it’s good enough for me. I thank @ESPN & the amazing friends/family there for an extraordinary 13 years. I ???? you all.
— Claire Smith ⚾️ (@MzCSmith) November 6, 2020

Howard Chen – Producer/Reporter (Contract not renewed)

Just got the call from @espn. It's been a pleasure. Still got a few months left. Life comes at you fast
— Howard Chen 陈定豪 (@TheHoChen) November 5, 2020

Jim Barrero – ESPN.com Senior Editor

Add me to the list. I've survived countless rounds of layoffs in my 30 years in journalism, but not the one today at ESPN. I am so proud to work on a copy desk with so many wonderful people and I will miss the camaraderie and the chemistry we had. Free agency is in the future.
— Jim Barrero (@jimbarrero) November 6, 2020

Ty Wegner – Writer/Editor

I'm sorry to report that I was one of the hundreds of people who lost their job at ESPN today. I have nothing but affection for everyone I worked with there the past 10 years. If anyone needs a tireless editor who's passionate about storytelling, reach me at: wenger.ty@gmail.com.
— Ty Wenger (@TyWenger) November 5, 2020

Lisa James – Producer

(1/2) I’m one of the people at ESPN who lost their job. I worked there for almost 16 years. I am not interested in bitterness. At ESPN, I got to work with my sports idol @MagicJohnson for years. I got to produce NBA Countdown and go to 12 NBA finals as a researcher and producer.
— Lisa James (@LisaJames32) November 5, 2020

Jody Roberts – Highlight Producer

I started at ESPN when I was 20 and fresh out of college; it’s the only job I’ve ever known. You move to Bristol not knowing anyone, and the people you meet truly become your family. After nearly 8 years, today I was let go in the ESPN layoffs. 1/3
— jodybobs (@jodybobs) November 5, 2020

Tom Tischio – Producer/Editor

Hey all. Unfortunately I was one of the many to be affected by the layoffs at ESPN. I've worked in all facets of production at @ESPN_Esports and I am proud of the work I got to do there. If you're looking for a producer/video editor you can reach me at tischphotos@gmail.com. ❤️
— Tisch (@tischphotos) November 6, 2020

BSM Staff

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9 COMMENTS

DJRedkey November 6, 2020 At 2:20 pm

The worst part? They didn’t even cut/announce everyone on the same day. Thought were were safe after Thursday, got a call Friday. This, after a 10 hour day yesterday.
Stephen Jones November 6, 2020 At 6:03 pm

Disney is ruining sports, namely ESPN, by its thoughtless restructuring. Bottom line: It’s all about the bottom line – and stockholders – not fans.
Jonathan D Gill November 7, 2020 At 7:38 pm

ESPN OVER PAYS THE ON AIR PERSONALITY, MIKE Greenberg 12 million and Steven A 5 million a year.
Cut the 0n air personality and save a few peoples jobs
Blake November 7, 2020 At 9:00 pm

ESPN and liberals are ruining sports along with everything else. Can’t trust the media, good to see you are expendable like the rest of America.
Randolph November 8, 2020 At 3:18 pm

Get woke, go broke.
B November 9, 2020 At 2:49 pm

Beating up on the Dan Lebarted show. Espn is a joke disney are u kidding me.
Jim Liddicoat November 9, 2020 At 6:46 pm

You could start by getting rid of the employees you continue to allow to bash our President. I had your channel on just today. As soon as the talk focused on whether LeBron will go to the White House after Biden goes in, and all of their little jabs against Trump with their personal editorials, I immediately turned it off. Just a small suggestion for you. Your ratings aren’t just tanking because of covid and it’s effect on the sports world, it’s because you continue to condone and allow your small minded employees to alienate half of the country. Guess your own stupidity with regards to running a company is causing you to pay the price. Make your own bed, sleep in it.
- James Gilles November 13, 2020 At 8:44 pm
  
  *YAWN*
  Of course he’s going to the White House.
  We have a president again.