ESPN is "moving its ESPNU studio operation from Charlotte to Bristol" as part of yesterday's layoffs, according to a source cited by Katherine Peralta of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. A "few ESPNU positions will remain in Charlotte, primarily the people responsible for producing the large number of events that air on the channel." ESPNU "primarily handles 'wraps' -- pre-game, halftime and post-game shows -- as well as NCAA selection shows and signing day specials." SEC Network and ESPN Events will "remain in Charlotte," and fewer than 10 of the approximately 200 people that work in the city "are being laid off" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/27). In Charlotte, Erik Spanberg cited a source as saying that ESPNU has "no plans to reduce its office and studio space ... since it is still home to SEC Network and a range of remote productions for college basketball and football broadcasts" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/26). The Raleigh News & Observer's Luke DeCock wrote he still expects ACC Network operations "to join them in Charlotte" when the linear channel in launched in '19. However, he added, "After today, anything's possible" (TWITTER.com, 4/26).
HOLD DOWN SOUTH: In Austin, Brian Davis reports there has been "no change" with the Univ. of Texas' relationship with ESPN amid the layoffs, and it is "unlikely the sweeping cuts will affect the Longhorn Network." UT Associate AD/Strategic Relations Jeff Orth said, "ESPN is a valued partner of ours and we’re excited to continue to work with them to deliver content to Texas fans.” Davis notes LHN "experienced cutbacks last year and ceased production of a nightly highlight show." UT receives about $15M annually from ESPN "simply for the right to broadcast the network." The contract runs through '31, and the net is "obligated to air 175 live events each academic year" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 4/27).
