The Hammer Drops at ESPN

[Snaggletiger]

Those proposed layoffs some of you posted about earlier, happened today.  foxynewsdot I am a gay twerker that has no balls!!!!  I also have no idea how to use the quote function to post stories, so I annoy the piss out of others.  I like male genatalia in and around my mouth.

It’s a dark day at ESPN.

The sports broadcasting network sent a memo to employees early Wednesday, informing them that a series of previously announced layoffs would take place today. Familiar faces like Ed Werder, Danny Kanell, Jayson Stark, Trent Dilfer and Brett McMurphy are among those who have been let go.

The total number of employees cut will be around 100, Fox News has learned.

The memo, from ESPN President John Skipper, noted that the network’s new talent lineup will be announced soon.

“Dynamic change demands an increased focus on versatility and value, and as a result, we have been engaged in the challenging process of determining the talent—anchors, analysts, reporters, writers and those who handle play-by-play—necessary to meet those demands,” Skipper wrote to employees. “We will implement changes in our talent lineup this week. A limited number of other positions will also be affected and a handful of new jobs will be posted to fill various needs.

“These decisions impact talented people who have done great work for our company. I would like to thank all of them for their efforts and their many contributions to ESPN.”

A source with knowlege of the situation told Fox News that despite buzz that the planned number of layoffs has grown in recent weeks, the gameplan was always to cut around 100 people.
           
ESPN also outlined the network’s new strategy in a post on its media website published Wednesday. The company is placing an increased focused on its ESPN App with a “multi-screen approach around big events.”

“On the horizon is more live news video and enhanced video and audio streaming,” the release stated.

ESPN also plans to bolster its online presence.

“Our goal continues to be to maximize our unparalleled scale in every medium with storytelling that stands out and makes a difference. We are well-equipped to thrive going forward by embracing these themes."

[Snaggletiger]

I always thought Ed Werder and Trent Dilfer did a pretty damn good job.  Wasn't always a fan of Danny Kanell and thought he started out trying to say outrageous things just for ratings.  But I've come to enjoy him on the radio show, Rucillo (sp?) & Kanell.  He was on Mike & Mike the other morning and took Reuben Foster and Jabril Peppers to task for the "Diluted" tests.  He just came out and called bullshit on it.     

[WiregrassTiger]

I watched espn the other day. Or, tried to. Whatever the show was, it was way too hippity hop culture laden for me. I was way out of place watching it.

[wesfau2]

They will survive.  Too much investment for it to die on the vine.  They're just going through a demo shift and us stodgy old fucks are being left behind.  Same happened with MTV, we just didn't have the X as an outlet for our bitching about it.

[Snaggletiger]

They will survive.  Too much investment for it to die on the vine.  They're just going through a demo shift and us stodgy old fucks are being left behind.  Same happened with MTV, we just didn't have the X as an outlet for our bitching about it.

What is this MTV of which you speak?  Is that the channel with "Ridiculousness" on it?

[Kaos]

They will survive.  Too much investment for it to die on the vine.  They're just going through a demo shift and us stodgy old fucks are being left behind.  Same happened with MTV, we just didn't have the X as an outlet for our bitching about it.

I disagree.  Of course.

I don't think ESPN will survive in its current state.  Eventually I think it's going to break apart. 

Us "stodgy old fucks" are the ones who have money.  The flailing at ESPN now is a misguided effort to chase a demographic that has little or none. Zero chance of that working. 

I see it breaking into separate divisions based on sport with separate channels and sub-channels.  They need to keep one SC channel and get rid of all the bullshit opinionating.  Tell me the fucking scores and show me the fucking highlights.  Fuck your Takes, Dimes or whatever the fuck.  Then have separate divisions for CFB/Basketball, the NFL, the NBA/NHL, one for original programming like 30-for-30 and one for assorted other bullshit like bowling, ping pong, swimming, gymnastics, tiddly winks or whatever.  ESPNCollege could then have its separate SEC, LittleTen, Packed12, ACC Networks underneath that banner. 

Those of us who spend billions on college football (and the NFL to a degree) don't give one single fuck in a biscuit tin what Jemele Hill's ignorant, loud mouthed ass thinks about any-damned thing.  She's fine for yammering about the NBA or whatever the fuck her rotund face babbles about, but if she's on, I'm changing the channel.  I similarly have no interest in hearing what Barry Melrose has to say.  I loathe that smarmy dick.  SC has become a complete wasteland for me.  It offers nothing about which I care. 

The changes today signal to me that the network has completely lost its way.  It is not going to survive.  It is not MTV -- which sucks rancid raw ass and nobody watches it any longer. 

[WiregrassTiger]

They will survive.  Too much investment for it to die on the vine.  They're just going through a demo shift and us stodgy old fucks are being left behind.  Same happened with MTV, we just didn't have the X as an outlet for our bitching about it.

Who you calling stodgy, you...you...meanie pants.

[Godfather]

I always thought Ed Werder and Trent Dilfer did a pretty damn good job.  Wasn't always a fan of Danny Kanell and thought he started out trying to say outrageous things just for ratings.  But I've come to enjoy him on the radio show, Rucillo (sp?) & Kanell.  He was on Mike & Mike the other morning and took Reuben Foster and Jabril Peppers to task for the "Diluted" tests.  He just came out and called bullshit on it.     

Dilfer was great, they should have let Charles "Marvin the Martian Sounding Ass" Woodson go instead. 

I didn't care much for Kanell but I will say this for him, he wasn't afraid to give his dissenting opinion against the big boys of college football.  He was the only non-sheep to say that Ohio State didn't deserve to be in this past years playoffs.  I respected him for that.

[wesfau2]

Us "stodgy old fucks" are the ones who have money. 

Maybe, but we're/you're not participating in the arena that they're playing.  Historically, the male 18-34 demo was the most profitable.  We're not in that range anymore and it's shifting...downward.

The flailing at ESPN now is a misguided effort to chase a demographic that has little or none. Zero chance of that working. 

Have you seen what "youtubers" are making for their content?  You're using outdated metrics.

I see it breaking into separate divisions based on sport with separate channels and sub-channels.  They need to keep one SC channel and get rid of all the bullshit opinionating.  Tell me the fucking scores and show me the fucking highlights.  Fuck your Takes, Dimes or whatever the fuck.  Then have separate divisions for CFB/Basketball, the NFL, the NBA/NHL, one for original programming like 30-for-30 and one for assorted other bullshit like bowling, ping pong, swimming, gymnastics, tiddly winks or whatever.  ESPNCollege could then have its separate SEC, LittleTen, Packed12, ACC Networks underneath that banner. 

They might.  Or they might disregard the rantings of an old timer on a message board and chase their market research.

SC has become a complete wasteland for me.  It offers nothing about which I care. 

I agree.  But, while they would love to have our demo, they aren't chasing us.  Notable that MS and JH dodged the axe, no?

[Snaggletiger]

Dilfer was great, they should have let Charles "Marvin the Martian Sounding Ass" Woodson go instead. 

I didn't care much for Kanell but I will say this for him, he wasn't afraid to give his dissenting opinion against the big boys of college football.  He was the only non-sheep to say that Ohio State didn't deserve to be in this past years playoffs.  I respected him for that.

werd.  I'm wondering if this is only affecting the TV personalities and not ESPN Radio?  Kanell is on right after lunch and that's a decent show to listen to. 

I miss "En fuego", "From way downtown...BANG!" and "Booyah". 

[Snaggletiger]

Maybe, but we're/you're not participating in the arena that they're playing.  Historically, the male 18-34 demo was the most profitable.  We're not in that range anymore and it's shifting...downward.

Have you seen what "youtubers" are making for their content?  You're using outdated metrics.


They might.  Or they might disregard the rantings of an old timer on a message board and chase their market research.

I agree.  But, while they would love to have our demo, they aren't chasing us.  Notable that MS and JH dodged the axe, no?

There is much truth in your words, pale face.  Plus, not only did they not get the axe, they've been moved into prime time.

[Kaos]

I agree.  But, while they would love to have our demo, they aren't chasing us.  Notable that MS and JH dodged the axe, no?

Notable in the fact that it's a clear sign of ESPN shitting on the market that built them.

They will not survive. 

[wesfau2]

Notable in the fact that it's a clear sign of ESPN shitting on the market that built them.

They will not survive.

Or maybe an indication that things change and, while you sit rigid in your position and get left behind, the market adapts and life goes on.

[Snaggletiger]

I understand the change in targeting a different and/or younger demographic.  It happens. Look at VH1. It's become BET2.  I suppose it's been successful to an extent because they made that switch years ago and have stuck with it.

I don't agree with many of the changes at ESPN and almost resent the fact that they've taken what they started and then built their reputation on, which was bringing us sports news and highlights in an entertaining and just plain hilarious format.  But, it is what it is.  However, the question remains.  Why that many layoffs?  ESPN is spinning the hell out of it to make us believe it's all part of a grand plan to reinvent themselves.  You can do that without dropping the axe on 100 employees.

[Townhallsavoy]

I think ESPN is on its way out but not because of their current content.

Media is becoming more localized and niche. I don't have to view ESPN for anything but live broadcasts. I wager that within the next ten years, I won't even need ESPN for viewing games. If I want commentary on sports, life, politics, etc, I can find plenty of reputable options for free on Youtube or personal websites.

The only way ESPN survives is if it adapts to include its 18-34 demographic in the generation and production of its content.

[Kaos]

Or maybe an indication that things change and, while you sit rigid in your position and get left behind, the market adapts and life goes on.

Coming from someone so sure of the "new America" that he completely misinterpreted, misjudged and misunderstood the American public and directed at someone who recognized, anticipated and applauded the America that truly exists?  Rich. Decadently rich.

Do you ever tire of being utterly and flatulently wrong? 

Appears not. 

[Snaggletiger]

Coming from someone so sure of the "new America" that he completely misinterpreted, misjudged and misunderstood the American public and directed at someone who recognized, anticipated and applauded the America that truly exists?  Rich. Decadently rich.

Do you ever tire of being utterly and flatulently wrong? 

Appears not.

Fart wrong?

[Pell City Tiger]

Fart wrong?

I did that once. Messed up my favorite pair of draws.

[WiregrassTiger]

I did that once. Messed up my favorite pair of draws.

Technically, how can this be so?

I'll-timed? O.k. Bad results? Sure. These two and worse is possible. But I'm not sold that it's possible to fart wrong. Some are better than others but not wrong.

[Kaos]

Technically, how can this be so?

I'll-timed? O.k. Bad results? Sure. These two and worse is possible. But I'm not sold that it's possible to fart wrong. Some are better than others but not wrong.

Wes is doing it wrong.  You can bank on that.  As backwards as he's been about things lately he probably sucks air up his ass like whhhhfffffffffffffffffffffffzeep.