ESPN is making big changes to its content organization, with president of content Burke Magnus outlining a sweeping new organization structure that will elevate some top executives and see the company part ways with others.In a memo to ESPN staff Monday, Magnus wrote that the changes will make the company “more strategic, collaborative and nimble, as we continue to excel in every area and function. We remain committed to employee development, and the restructure will result in new positions or promotions for people who are expanding their responsibilities or taking on new challenges.”At the top of the new structure will be Mike McQuade, a 37-year ESPN veteran who has been named executive vp sports production, overseeing production and studio shows dedicated to specific sports, while David Roberts will be executive vp and executive editor of sports news and entertainment, which will include oversight of ESPN’s news operation, as well as non-sport-specific programming like First Take, SportsCenter and The Pat McAfee Show.Magnus wrote that going forward his direct reports will be Roberts, McQuade, Kaitee Daley, Freddy Rolón, Brian Lockhart, Chris Calcinari and Nick Parsons. He added that with the new structure, there will be layoffs, though he added that it will also create new opportunities for staff.“I understand how difficult change and shifts can be,” he wrote. “With this reorganization, we have set up the Content organization to best operate now and in the future, while creating opportunities for colleagues across the organization to grow and thrive. We will continue to tweak the structure to reflect the constant evolution of our business, and all of us should embrace change.”The changes come at a critical moment for ESPN, which is in the midst of planning a flagship streaming service for next year, and just cut a long-term deal with the NBA. Magnus wrote that the new structure reflected conversations with nearly 75 ESPN executives across levels at the company.“Our Content team is the industry leader, and these moves will only enhance our strong position, further our mission of serving sports fans, anytime, anywhere, and continue our ability to drive value and results for The Walt Disney Company,” Magnus wrote.
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