ESPN lays off six
Pittsburgh:PBRTV hears and reads ESPN 1250 (WEAE-AM) has "laid off" six staffers including long-time anchors Joe DeStio and Eartha Jackson. Production Director Larry Gerson, who has been with the station for many years, was also on the list as was Program Director Jim Graci. Two office staffers received pink slips as well. More if and when we hear it.
UPDATE: The Post-Gazette reports that station VP/GM Mike Thompson is adding the programming duties to his resume. He tells the paper, "We saw opportunities to create some efficiencies on the business side. We're looking at creating some efficiencies with our multiple ESPN markets."
Right now, though, WEAE is the market leader of the three sports talk stations in town (WBGG-AM 970 and KDKA-FM 93.7 being the other two). The station's online numbers are "through the roof" as listening extends to Pittsburgh sports fans outside the market. So why make these cuts now? Thompson says, "We're in the position where we're very strong. Sometimes you do these decisions when you're in a position of strength.
Meanwhile, the stations programs will remain in tact with one small change. Stan Savran and Guy Junker's program will be extended from two hours to four hours, running from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Readers’ Forum
All long timers and familiar names. Is there now anyone left there who worked for WTAE Radio?
Terry Neary - May 13, 2010 at 08:49 am
I bet The Fan will hire one or two for an inside look at the competition.
Tom Lavery (URL) - May 13, 2010 at 10:25 am
Terry: I think Eartha Jackson may have been the last.
Seeing Eye - May 13, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Terry: Engineer Thad Mazur still remains from the WTAE days.
Tom: The Fan’s PD, Terry Foxx, was hired from Bristol so he knows the inside of ESPN Corporate … and Jim Colony knows the inside about the local operation.
Capn' Show Biz - May 16, 2010 at 4:30 pm
About 6 years ago ESPN 1250 was a great station to listen too. Maybe it’s because I’m younger, but this station is just awful now.
Dave - May 18, 2010 at 2:34 pm