US sports broadcasting network ESPN has laid off over 20 on-air personalities, including some of its most well-known commentators, analysts, and journalists.
The job eliminations, CNBC reported, were part of an effort by ESPN to meet fiscal goals for this year and beyond, including the retention of more staffers on the network.
Many of the cuts were on-air staff with large salaries, CNBC added.
The layoffs were part of Disney's massive job cuts across the conglomerate, totaling 7,000 employees being made redundant. Disney's layoffs were meant to generate more than $5 billion in savings as streaming gains slowed, among other factors, and are considered separate from ESPN's job cuts.
The network's statement Friday (June 30) did not address specifics on the day's cuts, but noted it was "necessary" to achieve "additional cost savings."
"This ... will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead," ESPN added.
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Who's Leaving ESPN?
According to reports, some of the famous departures from the network include NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose, breakfast show host and boxing commentator Max Kellerman, NFL reporter Suzy Kolber, and NFL analysts Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young.
Kolber separately reacted to her axing, saying her layoff was "heartbreaking, but 27 years at ESPN was a good run.
"Longevity for a woman in this business is something I'm especially proud of," she added in a tweet. "Next step - a project that gives back."
CNBC added there would be more prominent departures at ESPN to be expected in the coming months, especially on-air presenters who do not have their contracts renewed.
The layoffs, the New York Post reported, were a confirmation that ESPN would have "no sacred cows" in letting go of personnel.
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