ESPN is planning another significant round of layoffs in the coming months, according to Sports Illustrated.
The cuts reportedly will focus on on-screen and radio talent. Those who have contracts up for renewal are most at risk, but some will also be bought out of contracts. The layoffs are expected to be completed by the end of June.
ESPN, which last had major layoffs in October 2015, has been the victim of increasing rights fees and losing subscriptions due to cord-cutting. The sports network has been a strain on Disney’s stock value, and some will now be paying a severe price for that.
“We have long been about serving fans and innovating to create the best content for them,” an ESPN spokesperson told SI.com. Â “Today’s fans consume content in many different ways and we are in a continuous process of adapting to change and improving what we do. Inevitably that has consequences for how we utilize our talent. We are confident that ESPN will continue to have a roster of talent that is unequaled in sports.”