Disney job reductions hit ESPN and ABC

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 30-Jan-09, 09:20

LONDON - Disney has implemented a recruitment freeze at its international sports pay-TV network ESPN and is cutting 200 jobs at its ABC TV network in the US.

The recruitment freeze at ESPN is designed to reduce its global workforce of around 5,700 by 200 positions.

In addition to the redundancies at ABC a recruitment freeze was imposed meaning that 200 vacancies will not be filled. The company's workforce numbers between 6,500 and 7,000.

Disney has already revealed plans to merge its two ABC divisions, ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, into one organisation.

The company's theme park division is seeking 600 voluntary redundancies.

Disney follows other US broadcasters in trimming its staff levels. In December NBC and MTV-owner Viacom decided to cut 500 and 850 jobs respectively.

Separately, ESPN UK is replacing its North American Sports Network channel with a live channel called ESPN America from midnight on Sunday. It will offer Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and college football and basketball action.

The channel is available in the UK on Sky Channel 417 (with free, open access viewing during the opening weekend) and Virgin Media Channel 533 (subscription only).