ESPN’s behind-the-scenes pro and college football teams are set, as the network’s Exec Editor and Head of Event and Studio Production, Norby Williamson, outlined changes via an internal memo yesterday. The moves come a little more than a week after former SVP/Production Lee Fitting was fired, though ESPN sources said while some of the moves announced today were prompted by Fitting’s removal, not all the changes were made as a result of Fitting’s situation. Fitting had overseen all college and pro football production at ESPN.
VP/Production Amanda Gifford makes, perhaps, the biggest jump, as she becomes the day-to-day point person on college football. Gifford will oversee all college football event productions, including CFP games and spring football games. Gifford now reports directly to Williamson. Coordinating Producers Bryan Jaroch and Nick Rud will report into Gifford on football.
SVP/Production and Remote Events Mark Gross also made a big move, adding the NFL studio and event productions to his plate. Gross, who will report to Williamson, also will oversee the ESPN Radio Network and local radio programming. VP/Exec Producer Seth Markman and VP/Production Steve Ackels will report to Gross.
Read more about the reorganization in yesterday's edition of SBJ Unpacks.
