ESPN Layoffs Include Howie Schwab, Full Staffs Of Two Shows

An ESPN spokesperson confirmed this morning that the company canceled two of its shows and laid off their staffs. Last night's planned episodes of "Highlight Express" on ESPNews and "Unite" on ESPNU were not on-air, replaced by re-airs of other programming. It is not known how many employees worked on both shows, but these moves are part of ESPN's announced plan to eliminate 300-400 jobs. An ESPN source said almost all of the firings and cancellations will be completed by the end of this week. A source said ESPN decided to cancel the shows due to low ratings.

Howie Schwab, who starred in the ESPN show "Stump the Schwab," announced on his Facebook page that he was let go. Deadspin is reporting that the layoffs include ESPN The Magazine Founding Editor Gary Hoenig.