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Layoffs at ESPN as sports fans turn off cable sports

In 2011, ESPN began construction on what they called “Digital Center 2” - a 195,000 square foot digital broadcasting center that executives called the most “technologically and sophisticated” broadcast center in the world. It’s main studio featured 150 monitors and miles of LED lighting. Those same executives in its unveiling called the facility “future-proof”.

The funny thing about the future is that it always seems to make mincemeat out of those things that claim to be immune to it.

Last Wednesday, the future arrived on the doorstep of the nationwide leader. The biggest sports conglomerate on the planet and the centerpiece of Disney’s maturing cable television empire made news by laying off scores of employees across the company - including on-air and writing talent whose names are sure to be recognized by sports fans.