ESPN fires Van Gundy, Rose, Kolber and other on-air talent

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro

Steve Zack Photography | Film Magic | Getty Images

Disney”ESPN Friday has notified approximately 20 on-air personalities that they will no longer be appearing on any of the network’s platforms.

The job cuts include former National Basketball Association head coach and current game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and former NBA player and studio analyst Jaylen Rose, according to people familiar with the matter. The network will also fire longtime reporter and anchor Susie Kolber, NFL analyst and former quarterback Steve Young, and host Max Kellerman, the person said.

“Given the current environment, ESPN determined that it was necessary to identify additional cost savings in the area of ​​public commentator salaries and began that process,” ESPN said in a statement. “This exercise will include a small number of job cuts in the near term, with a continued focus on cost control as we conduct individual contract renewal negotiations in the coming months.”

“This is an extremely difficult process involving individuals who have had a significant impact on the company,” the network said. “Based on overall efficiency rather than merit, these difficult decisions will help us meet our financial goals and ensure future growth.”

The reduction is part of ESPN’s efforts to meet its financial goals for 2023 and beyond. By targeting high-paying broadcast staff, ESPN will be able to attract more staff across the organization.

Disney, which owns the majority of ESPN, recently ended its own furlough The number of employees reaches 7,000.

read more: Disney’s new Indiana Jones movie faces volatile box office outlook

Media giants are cutting costs to boost free cash flow as streaming growth slows. If Disney chooses to acquire a minority stake in Comcast’s Hulu, it could need cash — An option contract will be entered into in early 2024.

More departures scheduled

ESPN’s cuts are separate from that effort and relate to ESPN’s own metrics and priorities. Disney restructured the company earlier this year, giving ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro responsibility for the balance sheet.

ESPN will not be renewing contracts with more broadcast staff as their contracts expire in the next few months, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the details are private. Another person said this could lead to about 20 more departures.

The laid-off workers have the option to work elsewhere, but the unpaid contracts will need to be renegotiated with ESPN, one of the people said. If an employee finds a job with a competitor, ESPN may offer a lower severance package for the remainder of the contract than employees who find a job elsewhere, the person said.

Jalen Rose smiles before Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at the Caseya Center in Miami, Florida on June 9, 2023.

Eric Espada | National Basketball Association | Getty Images

Van Gundy has been with ESPN for 16 years and has earned wide acclaim for his game commentary and sense of humor. He is part of a three-man broadcasting team for NBA games, along with play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and co-analyst and former NBA player and coach Mark Jackson.

Rose has appeared on ESPN and ABC’s NBA pregame show “NBA Countdown.” Since 2012. He joined ESPN in 2007.new york post first reported ESPN will fire Van Gundy and Rose.

Kolber has been with the network for more than 25 years and was featured in the coverage of “Monday Night Football.”Hall of Fame quarterback Young has spent more than 20 years as his NFL analyst on ESPN and has juggled work As a partner of HGGCa private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California.

Kellerman was also a longtime mainstay of the network as a host of shows such as “First Take.” Also fired are baseball reporter Jun Lee, college basketball analyst and former NBA player Raffonso Ellis, and former NFL star and ESPN personality Keyshawn Johnson.

ESPN announced last month that it had hired a former NFL punter Pat McAfee, host of The Pat McAfee Show. The New York Post reported ESPN paid McAfee about $85 million over five years. Still, ESPN’s McAfee comes with premade shows that the station believes will be profitable from day one.

Watch: 3 Stock Ranch: How to Play Disney.

Summarize this content to 100 words ESPN Chairman Jimmy PitaroSteve Zack Photography | Film Magic | Getty ImagesDisney”ESPN Friday has notified approximately 20 on-air personalities that they will no longer be appearing on any of the network’s platforms.The job cuts include former National Basketball Association head coach and current game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and former NBA player and studio analyst Jaylen Rose, according to people familiar with the matter. The network will also fire longtime reporter and anchor Susie Kolber, NFL analyst and former quarterback Steve Young, and host Max Kellerman, the person said.”Given the current environment, ESPN determined that it was necessary to identify additional cost savings in the area of ​​public commentator salaries and began that process,” ESPN said in a statement. “This exercise will include a small number of job cuts in the near term, with a continued focus on cost control as we conduct individual contract renewal negotiations in the coming months.””This is an extremely difficult process involving individuals who have had a significant impact on the company,” the network said. “Based on overall efficiency rather than merit, these difficult decisions will help us meet our financial goals and ensure future growth.”The reduction is part of ESPN’s efforts to meet its financial goals for 2023 and beyond. By targeting high-paying broadcast staff, ESPN will be able to attract more staff across the organization.Disney, which owns the majority of ESPN, recently ended its own furlough The number of employees reaches 7,000. read more: Disney’s new Indiana Jones movie faces volatile box office outlookMedia giants are cutting costs to boost free cash flow as streaming growth slows. If Disney chooses to acquire a minority stake in Comcast’s Hulu, it could need cash — An option contract will be entered into in early 2024.More departures scheduledESPN’s cuts are separate from that effort and relate to ESPN’s own metrics and priorities. Disney restructured the company earlier this year, giving ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro responsibility for the balance sheet.ESPN will not be renewing contracts with more broadcast staff as their contracts expire in the next few months, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the details are private. Another person said this could lead to about 20 more departures.The laid-off workers have the option to work elsewhere, but the unpaid contracts will need to be renegotiated with ESPN, one of the people said. If an employee finds a job with a competitor, ESPN may offer a lower severance package for the remainder of the contract than employees who find a job elsewhere, the person said.Jalen Rose smiles before Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at the Caseya Center in Miami, Florida on June 9, 2023.Eric Espada | National Basketball Association | Getty ImagesVan Gundy has been with ESPN for 16 years and has earned wide acclaim for his game commentary and sense of humor. He is part of a three-man broadcasting team for NBA games, along with play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and co-analyst and former NBA player and coach Mark Jackson.Rose has appeared on ESPN and ABC’s NBA pregame show “NBA Countdown.” Since 2012. He joined ESPN in 2007.new york post first reported ESPN will fire Van Gundy and Rose.Kolber has been with the network for more than 25 years and was featured in the coverage of “Monday Night Football.”Hall of Fame quarterback Young has spent more than 20 years as his NFL analyst on ESPN and has juggled work As a partner of HGGCa private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California.Kellerman was also a longtime mainstay of the network as a host of shows such as “First Take.” Also fired are baseball reporter Jun Lee, college basketball analyst and former NBA player Raffonso Ellis, and former NFL star and ESPN personality Keyshawn Johnson.ESPN announced last month that it had hired a former NFL punter Pat McAfee, host of The Pat McAfee Show. The New York Post reported ESPN paid McAfee about $85 million over five years. Still, ESPN’s McAfee comes with premade shows that the station believes will be profitable from day one.Watch: 3 Stock Ranch: How to Play Disney.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/30/espn-lays-off-on-air-talent-including-jeff-van-gundy-and-jalen-rose.html ESPN fires Van Gundy, Rose, Kolber and other on-air talent

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