Quinnipiac Professor Says Technology One Factor Behind ESPN Layoffs

(Bristol, Conn.WTIC)The pandemic forced a new way for sports coverage and that technology played a role in the latest round of layoffs at Bristol-based ESPN, a Quinnipiac University Journalism professor said today.
Ben Bogardus says some of the old problems can be blamed for the layoffs like a reduction in cable subscriptions or the leagues shutting down because of the pandemic.
But Bogardus says new factors play a role. "Pre-pandemic, a crew was often sent to people's homes or guests were flown into Bristol for live interviews. But now, those same interviews can be done for free using Skype or Zoom. Similarly, play-by-play and color commentary during games doesn't have to be done with a full remote crew from the stadium. It can be done from ESPN's headquarters, saving money on travel and production. While those methods may not be ideal, ESPN has found that viewers don't mind that the shots don't ‘look perfect.’ So a return to full-priced travel and remotes probably isn't returning any time soon.”
ESPN announced its eliminating a total of 500 jobs. 300 of those are current employees. The ESPN Chairman blamed the effects on the pandemic.