ESPN Employees Will Pitch In To Help

Last week we showed ESPN president George Bodenheimer's gloomy report about the state of the WWL, which detailed the many changes needed in order for the company to continue making jizzillions of dollars.

Sobered by the news of the impending changes at Bristol, some of the ESPN employees were inspired not to just sit back and wait for more bad news. They are emboldened, united — they want to show their loyalty to the bestest company in the world that's given them everything to live for in life.

Here are some of the the intra-office comments from ESPN employees after Bodenheimer's speech. This was an open online forum for those on the WWL's payroll. Luckily, one employee cut-and-pasted some of the responses and sent them over.

Leadership Pickles go to these fine ESPN employees:

For Innovation In Promoting A Greener Workplace

Michael Kalasnik:

1) Turn down the heat! In a lot of areas (Example, walkway to the caf, building 4 news room) the heat is very very warm. I work 3rd shift and I dont think we need the heat blasting at 3am. 2) 10 hour/4 day weeks: Encourage departments to do 10 hour days 4 days a week (non production ones, that is)

For Blind Positivism

Alexandre Moores:

I think that the sports fan will come to rely on us even more during these tough economic times. We have an oppertunity to "trim the fat" and become a well oiled machine.

For Job Security Groveling:

John McCloskey:

I've worked for a number of global organizations throughout my career, and in all candor have never experienced the kind of concerted efforts ESPN management pursues to get out in front of various difficult business issues when it can.

For Fuck Those Spoiled Brats-Like Stinginess:

Brienne Gallagher:

While I know that we pride ourselves on our great internship program, we can offer credit only internships instead of paid ones. Students will still want to work here because after all, "it's ESPN". They should be doing it for the great experience and not for the money. The majority of internship programs in the entertainment/broadcast industry are unpaid anyway. Is it also necessary to house them in Hartford 21? Is it really more cost effective than the Clarion right down the street? These are just my thoughts that may be able to save us some money.

For Yeah, Actually Fuck Those Brats-like Stinginess

Michael Kalasnik (two!) We are housing the interns at Hartford 21? That seems way too lavish. These kids go from a dorm room to hartford 21, on the company dime? Id say either have them stay right down the street at the clarion or, maybe adopt a program to have them stay with some of the people who work here? I know a lot of the PA's and such room together to save money. if these interns are here for 3 months or so, im sure you can throw some incentive to someone who needs a roomate.

For Being A Realist And Not A Party Pooper

Rob Tobias:

Long as we are having this conversation, I am aware of some chatter about our Super Bowl Party in Tampa. What people don't realize is that the cost for that event is borne largely by several sponsors who appreciate our ability to get them close to the biggest sports event in this country. It is actually good business for us. Here's a for-instance, said to SBJ: Ford is leveraging its F-150 truck as presenting sponsor of the party. Eric Peterson, Ford Truck communications manager, said, "This year, more than any other year, we're not going over the top. But being at the Super Bowl, and being part of a partnership that gets us there, makes a lot of sense."

For Brilliant Use Of Smart Quotes

Jodi Markley

Thank you for your suggestion Gilbert. We appreciate the "can do" attitude of everyone at ESPN, but we have looked at this and concluded that it would be very difficult to meet the event needs and still keep up with the overwhelming demand of our in-house productions. Given the size of our staff it would also be extremely difficult to staff local productions without causing a dramatic increase to our overtime costs. We will continue to explore select opportunities where it makes sense.