It is no secret that Disney is looking to shed some expenses. The company is expected to eliminate around 7000 employees in total through multiple rounds of layoffs. On Monday, pink slips began going out at ESPN.
The network is expected to eliminate jobs in three rounds. No on-air talent is expected to be let go this week. The layoffs are beginning with people behind the scenes.
Mike Soltys is out after 43 years in Bristol. He was the company’s second-longest tenured employee. He was originally hired by the network’s founder Bill Rassmussen.
“Since I came to Bristol in 1980 as an unpaid intern I’ve been full of gratitude for the front row seat I’ve had for a business success story like no other,” Soltys, the now-former VP of Corporate Communications, wrote in an email to his colleagues. “With ESPN retirement, I turn to thinking about the future and I am open to your ideas of new opportunities.”
CNBC reports that this week may see limited cuts at the Worldwide Leader. A report from Lillian Rizzo and Alex Sherman cites a source that says ESPN is expected to layoff less than 100 people this week.
Amanda Brown has departed after working with ESPN Radio stations since 2002. She began her career in Dallas before moving to Bristol to work as a national producer. She has worked at 710 ESPN LA since 2010, first as a producer before eventually ascending to the station’s Program Director in 2019.
Barrett Sports Media will continue updating this story as more details become available.
