Posted by chicagomedia.org on February 20, 2009 at 13:30:44:
In Reply to: ESPN To Launch Chicago-Only Website posted by chicagomedia.org on February 19, 2009 at 10:01:20:
ESPN Chicago expected to hire, cautiously
Posted by Eric Benderoff at 4:30 p.m. | Chicago Tribune
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When ESPN Chicago launches in April, it will need staff to develop fresh content and video, among other concerns.
That's generally good news for the area's beleaguered journalists hurt by recent job cuts in the print, TV and radio fields.
"We're looking to create the best local Chicago sports site," said Marc Horine, a vice president with ESPN's digital media unit. "That includes adding the best talent we can get."
But the ramp-up will be gradual, and not all jobs will be based in Chicago. Plus, like other media entities, ESPN is being cautious on how it spends money during this advertising revenue-challenged recession. I'm told it is unlikely there will be new hires immediately.
Several people have asked for more details about how ESPN Chicago will be staffed. Here's what I know.
As I mentioned in the original piece, ESPN columnist Gene Wojciechowski, a former Chicago Tribune sportswriter, will write for the new site. So will ESPN writers Scoop Jackson and Wayne Drehs. They will join local ESPN radio personalities Tom Waddle and Bruce Levine, among others from Chicago's ESPN 1000 radio station.
ESPN will possibly use local freelance writers, as well, and should compensate accordingly. (I point that out because the Huffington Post does not pay contributors - even though they sell ads based on the work.)
The editorial offices will be in Chicago and content is likely to run through the infrastructure established with the ESPN 1000 radio site.
ESPN Chicago will be managed through Chicago, but other ESPN offices will pitch in. Here's where other work will be based:
*Sales and marketing: New York and Chicago.
*Technology and digital partnerships: Seattle and Chicago.
*Digital media/television: Bristol, Conn. (ESPN's headquarters)
As for those who have wondered whether former Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti will write for ESPN Chicago (see comments in original post), you can stop speculating.
He's not "part of the plan," Horine said.