ESPN’s media/analysis team has recently undergone quite an overhaul. After several ESPN members were laid off and some well-known hires were made, ESPN has received backlash and criticism for prioritizing the showbiz side of the industry rather than preserving their journalistic integrity. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro has taken this as an opportunity to address anyone who may have these concerns.
Pitaro was a speaker at the 2023 IMG Summit, a global networking event for sports and culture. During the event, Pitaro stated that “Quality journalism has never been more of a priority at ESPN.”
ESPN recently laid off some of their most beloved commentators, analysts, anchors, and writers such as Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Todd McShay, Joon Lee, and Nick Friedell.
Conversely, ESPN hired outspoken media personality and podcast host Pat McAfee to air his podcast series The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN and also brought in esteemed analyst Shannon Sharpe to join Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take. Both McAfee and Sharpe are great at what they do, but they are also known more for their entertaining personalities than their editorial prowess.
Despite the public disproval, Pitaro is still confident in ESPN and its current roster of staff members. “When something happens in the sports industry, people look to ESPN. We have a fantastic team out there that’s breaking news.”
Pitaro is doubling down on ESPN’s recent decision-making process and is sending a clear message to anyone who doubts the company’s commitment to “quality journalism.”
