Tag: ESPN Layoffs

"After 30 years in sports media, the most valuable lesson I've learned is also the simplest. The audience falls in love with people. The business falls in love with numbers, and the numbers always win."

"Stop blaming the network. Many of YOU bought into exactly what it is today! In fact, what sports overall has become. A bunch of arguing, hot takes & debate."

"The only thing that I would say is show dignity to those people in how you let them go. That's all."

"Like it or not, change is a constant in big-time media, and ESPN will continue moving forward. Entertaining and energetic talents like Williamson are helping forge that new path."

"In an attention economy, what matters is who can draw the attention. Sometimes it doesn't matter often whether it's good attention or bad attention. If you can captivate audience, that is what your biggest selling point will be."

"You will not make me hate my experience with ESPN. What I've been able to garner with the face of sports media in Stephen A. Smith is something that I'll take to my grave."

"Proven chemistry is difficult to manufacture. ESPN already knows this pairing works. With another opening on First Take, the easiest decision may also be the smartest one."

"Was I asked what I thought what my feelings were? Yes, I was. Of course I said we have to keep them. But I don't get to make those decisions."

"I love him. Just for so many people, this is a very tough day. This is an unfortunate reality across a lot of industries these days, especially ours."

"Newton is just the latest regular contributor on First Take to depart the network."