ESPN, the massive sports broadcasting juggernaut, has been waylaid by the changing media landscape like everyone else. Once thought unassailable because its live content couldn’t be binge-watched or victimized by ad-cutting, the great cable un-bundling has hit the network. ESPN’s latest round of layoffs come as no surprise except perhaps in its size and depth. At least 100 writers and on-air personalities are losing their gigs.
Maybe the no-surprise factor is at work in their reactions, which on social media have tended toward gratitude over bitterness and anger. (The latter are common reactions to layoffs.) So far anyway, the laid-off ESPN workers — at least those who have been quick to post — are mostly expressing the notion that they had a pretty good ride while it lasted. There are exceptions, like Danny Kanell:
Poured my heart and soul into ESPN for last 8 years. Moved my wife and 3 kids to CT to go “all in” 5 years ago. Bummed it ended in 3 minutes
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 26, 2017
But more common are examples like Trent Dilfer and company:
Laid off by ESPN today.Although sad cause I loved my job, mostly filled w/gratitude & appreciation for the 9 years #GreatFriendsAndTeammates
— Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDime) April 26, 2017
While surprised and disappointed, I was fortunate to have worked @espn with so many devoted, talented journalists. I will always be grateful
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) April 26, 2017
For 17 yrs I’ve had a dream job covering baseball for ESPN. Today is my last day. Thanks to all the great people at ESPN, MLB & all of you!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) April 26, 2017
After 5 great years, I’ve been laid off by ESPN. It was a tremendous opportunity & I enjoyed working w/a lot of really, really good people
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) April 26, 2017
After 14 wonderful years my time at espn is over. From Cold Pizza to First Take to SC I made more friends than I can name. Forever grateful! pic.twitter.com/WNkUGuXeVl
— Jay Crawford (@jaycrawfordespn) April 26, 2017
