ESPN has announced the closure of ESPN Deportes Radio as they continue to shift to various other platforms, including podcasts.
- According to Awful Announcing, the closure of ESPN Deportes Radio will result in the layoff of 10 full-time and 25 part-time employees.
- ESPN Deportes Radio launched in 2005 and had 44 terrestrial current affiliates in 15 states and a SiriusXM channel.
- While ESPN Deportes as a whole is not closing, the focus will be shifting to TV and digital.
- ESPN released the following statement on the news:
- Hispanic audience consumer habits are changing rapidly and this requires ESPN to evolve as well. It’s no secret Hispanic fans skew heavily on digital and social which is why we made the decision to discontinue ESPN Deportes terrestrial radio (ESPN Deportes Radio) in September. Moving forward, ESPN will continue serving Hispanic sports fans with the widest variety of sports through multiple platforms including television, digital, social, mobile and audio podcasts.
- The closure of ESPN Deportes Radio is planned for September.
ICYMI – More ESPN news:
- ESPN’s new documentary series, Declared will air on ESPN+ on June 13. The series will follow NBA skill trainer, Chris Brickley as he works with draft prospects challenging them on an off the court.
- ESPN networks are bringing the 2019 season of the Canadian Football League to fans in the U.S. The network signed an exclusive rights agreement to broadcast games in the United States. The season begins on June 13 when the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
- Acclaimed actor and comedian Tracy Morgan has been tapped to host The 2019 Espys on ABC. Morgan will be joined by top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments, and saluting the leading performers and performances.