Disney Cuts Hit ESPN Audio
• The second round of those largescale Disney personnel cuts — estimated to be as many as 7,000 positions companywide — have extended to ESPN Audio, where the executive ranks have been dramatically decimated. Among the reportedly 30+ employees who have been downsized: Scott McCarthy, VP of ESPN Audio, whose purview included ESPN Radio and oversight of major market radio bookends WEPN (ESPN New York 98.7) and KSPN (ESPN LA 710)/Los Angeles, both of which are currently operated under LMA by Good Karma Brands.
And on that subject, Ryan Hurley, PD of ESPN New York 98.7, a 20-year station veteran is also out, as is Amanda Brown, PD of ESPN LA 710, along with Digital PD Louise Cornetta. In a LinkedIn post, Cornetta wrote, “26 plus years was a great run. I’m terrible at goodbyes but wanted to thank so many people at ESPN for an incredible journey… I loved the people. I loved what we accomplished. While this journey ends in July, I am excited for new beginnings.”
The New York Post reported the departure of Mike Soltys, VP of Communications, who had been with the network since its launch in 1979 and was known for his wry sense of humor, as evidenced by his farewell tweet that read: “My final statement as ESPN Spokesperson: 43 Amazing Years. Wow. We wish him well.” The Wall Street Journal also reported the exit of Russell Wolff, EVP/GM of ESPN+.
Another casualty in this round of Disney cuts is another longtime company veteran, Pete Gianesini, Sr. Director of Digital Audio Programming, who also shared the news of his unscheduled departure in a LinkedIn post that reads, in part, “When you get the news that your position is being eliminated after 25 years, there’s so many emotions swirling around, perhaps ALL of the emotions, but as my time with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company will soon come to an end, the only emotion I’ll actively engage with is gratitude.”
As Variety‘s coverage notes: “While the Disney workforce will be reduced by thousands across Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (hourly frontline operations roles at Parks and Resorts will not be affected), and locations from Burbank to New York and Connecticut, there are still more layoffs to come. According to Disney, a third and final wave of cuts is expected to begin ahead of the summer, which will bring the Mouse House to its 7,000 layoffs target — about 3.2% of Disney’s total headcount of about 220,000 worldwide as of Oct. 1, 2022.”
