The on-going layoffs of approximately 7,000 employees across The Walt Disney Company have hit multiple executives within ESPN’s audio divisions.
Scott McCarthy exits as Vice President of ESPN Audio where he oversaw the national radio network, podcasting, and the local audio operations in Los Angeles and New York. He moved into his now former position in January 2020 after previously spending eight years as VP/GM of “710 ESPN” KSPN Los Angeles. He had a previous stint with parent ABC in multiple roles between 1992 to 2004 including Director of Programming of ABC Radio Networks, VP/GM of Radio Disney, SVP of the ABC Broadcast Group, and EVP of ABC Radio Networks. He has also been President of Ziff Davis Media’s Game Group and Managing Partner of Alacon Ventures.
Pete Gianesini departs as Senior Director of Audio Programming. Gianesini has been with ESPN since 1997 and held multiple production and programming roles across the company’s radio and podcasting divisions.
Ryan Hurley is out as Program Director of “98.7 ESPN” WEPN-FM New York after just shy of twenty years with the station. Hurley began his career in 2004 as a board-op and producer, eventually rising to EP of The Michael Kay Show, APD, and Program Director since March 2017.
Amanda Brown exits as PD of “710 ESPN” KSPN Los Angeles. She has been with ESPN since 2002 working as a producer for “ESPN 103.3” KESN Dallas and in Bristol CT before moving to KSPN in 2010. She rose to Program Director in 2019.
Louise Cornetta departs after 26 years with the company. Most recently serving as Digital Audio Program Director, Cornetta also served as Program Director for ESPN Radio, Executive Producer for “ESPN Boston” 890 WBPS, and contributing to ESPN Hollywood, ESPN The Magazine, and ESPN.com.