ESPN Faces Talent Drain as It Battles Rising Costs

New York Times: In just over two months, ESPN has lost three major personalities — a drain of renowned talent that is unusual in its suddenness. While different factors contributed to their departures, they come at a time when ESPN is coping with rising production costs and soaring rights fees. And, like other cable networks, ESPN is losing subscribers as customers leave their pay-TV providers and seek out unbundled viewing options like Netflix. “We are confident in our relationship with fans and comfortable with change,” said ESPN boss John Skipper.