Bad news out of Bethesda.
Regional sports network NBC Sports Washington has reportedly laid off lots of on-air and off-air staff this week. Beloved long-time anchor Michael Jenkins was the first to break the news that he has been laid off on Monday. Later, fellow The Daily Line contributor Sara Perlman said her goodbyes.
By Wednesday night, we learned that longtime host Rob Carlin has also been dismissed.
Directly from Jenkins:
Boy, have I been dreading the day when I would have to write something like this, but here goes:
This morning, I was laid off by @NBCSWashington after 16 years. pic.twitter.com/s5TeucL5Lu
— Michael Jenkins (@JenksNBCS) August 3, 2020
Jenks is a legend around here. You might remember him from:
- doing play-by-play of a basset hound
- winning a bunch of local Emmys
- covering the Hershey Bears Calder Cup run
And of course, this classic segment.
Another former anchor, Chick Hernandez, caught wind of the news and voiced his concerns on Monday.
Feeling mighty low for some of my friends over at NBCSW. Just got wind a round of layoffs are hitting them right now. I know my man Jenks has already stated he’s out. More on air and production moves coming too. Just freaking awful! #beentheredonethat
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) August 3, 2020
On Wednesday night, Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand reported that Rob Carlin is also on the list of laid-off employees.
NBC Sports Washington has had an undetermined number of layoffs (double digits, I'm told), including on-air hosts @RobCarlinNBCS, @JenksNBCS, @saraperlman.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 6, 2020
Carlin learned his contract wasn’t being renewed on Monday morning before leading coverage of the Capitals game later that afternoon. Carlin will continue in his role until the end of the Capitals’ playoff run.
It is with profound sadness and yet great pride I share this story from the @washingtonpost today. My professional life was rocked to the core on Monday morning. But I love my job. I love covering the @Capitals and telling their story. And, more than anything…
— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) August 6, 2020
Carlin has been with NBC Sports Washington for nearly a decade and has served as host of Caps pre- and post-game coverage for over three years. Also a local Emmy winner, Carlin anchored broadcasts during the Capitals’ run to win the Stanley Cup in 2018. Rob is immensely talented and charming, and he will be dearly missed on game days and beyond.
The layoffs have not been limited to DC. Ourand reports similar layoffs at many of NBC’s regional sports networks, including Chicago, the Bay Area, Boston, and Philadelphia.
.@RobTornoe writes that at least 15 staffers were let go at NBC Sports Philadelphia.
https://t.co/Q7MMypsZrm— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 6, 2020
. @GlobeChadFinn says nearly 20 staffer were laid off at NBC Sports Boston. https://t.co/gzZg1NnOTy
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 6, 2020
. @BASportsGuy says the number is around 17 at NBC Sports Bay Area. https://t.co/sTwL6RdMFd
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 6, 2020
. @phil_rosenthal details the layoffs at NBC Sports Chicago. https://t.co/jc4g1jT34W
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 6, 2020
Like lots of industries, sports media is undeniably contracting right now. Media companies are seeking to cut expenses wherever they can (with ad revenue flagging), and that place has turned out to be the livelihoods of people we’ve spent countless hours with on our screens.
To Jenkins and Carlin and everyone else now gone from NBC Sports Washington, you’re the best. We’ll always be fans.
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