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March 21, 2023 11:27 pm  #1


How Will "Massive" ESPN Cuts Affect The TSN Radio Stations In Canada?

They haven't happened yet, but when they do, the job losses at ESPN cable and ESPN Radio are expected to be massive. More than 7,000 jobs are said to be on the line, They're coming even though the network is said to be making a lot of money for Disney. (None of which should surprise anyone - Disney's way of treating consumers and employees has always been Mickey Mouse.)

Not even on-air announcers are safe, according to those in the know.

"The most vulnerable on-air folks, according to sources, are the ones that make near or more than seven figures and are not considered needle movers."

It's not entirely clear how this will affect ESPN Radio, which is a staple of overnight and weekend programming on TSN stations in Canada, including CHUM. But it certainly can't help. 


According to the iHeart Canada website, in addition to Toronto, ESPN feeds and talks shows are heard in this country on, among others, TSN 1040 in Vancouver, TSN 1260 in Edmonton, TSN 1290 in Winnipeg, TSN 690 in Montreal and also on CKOC 1150 in Hamilton, otherwise mostly an all-business station.  

ESPN layoffs are coming soon — and nearly everyone is vulnerable
 

 

March 22, 2023 12:49 am  #2


Re: How Will "Massive" ESPN Cuts Affect The TSN Radio Stations In Canada?

TSN 1040 hasn’t existed for two years now, having changed to Funny 1040. Though I have heard unconfirmed reports of them still airing NFL Seahawks games.

 

March 22, 2023 2:55 am  #3


Re: How Will "Massive" ESPN Cuts Affect The TSN Radio Stations In Canada?

The layoffs won't affect the Canadian stations other than perhaps some small lineup changes in off peak hours.  ESPN programming isn't promoted on TSN stations other than the live play by play and the names of the individual shows aren't even listed on TSN's websites.  It's just filler that usually discusses US college sports or the NFL.

ESPN Radio is profitable and it has hundreds of affiliates in the US so it isn't going away.  It may phase out some expensive "stars" and build up new ones, as it has done throughout its history.  We likely won't hear that in Canada because we have local programming filling those slots.