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The sports network “will be conducting a full search” for his successor, the channel’s president of content Burke Magnus told staff.
By Alex Weprin
Media & Business Writer
One of ESPN‘s most senior executives is leaving the sports giant.
Norby Williamson, a 40-year ESPN veteran who was the head of events and studio production, will leave the company Friday, ESPN president of content Burke Magnus wrote in a memo to staff.
“Almost 40 years ago in 1985, I was so very fortunate to be offered an opportunity at ESPN. Due to the exceptional hard work, creativity and commitment of the people of ESPN, and to a much lesser extent my contributions, I’d like to think we’ve left our great company in a far better place than we found it,” Williamson said in a statement.
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Magnus also thanked Williamson for his time with the company and the contributions to its content. A source notes that Magnus took over the top content job at the company a year ago, and that there just wasn’t an alignment on strategy, leading to the change.
“As soon as possible, we will be conducting a full search for a new senior content executive to help lead our team,” Magnus added. “Additionally, we will soon provide details about our interim reporting structure. We understand you may have questions about this transition. I, along with my direct reports, will be available to address any questions in the coming days.”
Williamson also found himself in headlines earlier this year after ESPN host Pat McAfee accused him of “attempting to sabotage” his show.
“I believe Norby Williamson is the guy who is attempting to sabotage our program,” McAfee said, while his show was still dealing with the fallout from the Aaron Rodgers-Jimmy Kimmel feud. “I’m not 100 percent sure, he’s just seemingly the only human that has information, and then somehow that information gets leaked, and it’s wrong, and then it sets a narrative of what our show is.”
A source familiar with the decision said that the McAfee situation was unrelated to Williamson’s departure from the company.
You can read Magnus’ memo, below.
Colleagues:
I am reaching out with some important news. Norby Williamson will be leaving the company today after nearly 40 years of dedicated service.
During Norby’s career, he made significant contributions across many important roles within Content. Through his steadfast commitment and attention to detail, Norby has had a lasting impact on the sports fans’ experience. His wide-ranging influence includes SportsCenter, breaking news coverage, immense creativity within event and studio productions and diverse storytelling across various ESPN platforms.
Norby wanted to share the following message:
“Almost 40 years ago in 1985, I was so very fortunate to be offered an opportunity at ESPN. Due to the exceptional hard work, creativity and commitment of the people of ESPN, and to a much lesser extent my contributions, I’d like to think we’ve left our great company in a far better place than we found it.”
As soon as possible, we will be conducting a full search for a new senior content executive to help lead our team. Additionally, we will soon provide details about our interim reporting structure. We understand you may have questions about this transition. I, along with my direct reports, will be available to address any questions in the coming days.
We thank Norby for his many contributions to ESPN and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Burke
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