ABS-CBN made the tough decision to let go of its entire sports division team following the non-renewal of the station’s franchise last week.
Thursday afternoon, the entire division met online with head of Integrated Sports Dino Laurena, who personally expressed his gratitude to each and every member of the team for telling the story of the Filipino athlete.
“And so ends this journey.
“I made the painful announcement to our beloved sports team today. I’ve been on this road before and I can assure you, it is not something I will swear even on people that I don’t like. It is heart-wrenchingly painful,” read Laurena’s Facebook post.
Over 70 regular employees from S+A were let go, including its TV production and digital team.
Besides them, independent workers like cameramen and crew, and talents like commentators and show hosts also lost their livelihoods.
Regular employees like the company’s editors, writers, and social media team will continue to chronicle the lives of the country’s athletes until August 31.
“In each of their eyes, I saw the eyes of their loved ones. I tried to hold back my tears as I hoped to be strong and give them comfort. I pray that God gives us the grace to weather the challenge that we will all face in the coming days,” continued Laurena.
With this, collegiate leagues like the UAAP, NCAA, and PVL will have to find new homes. Those leagues will now need a new station to house their events.
For now, and until this storm has cleared, Laurena is asking for prayers for each and every member of ABS-CBN Sports who are about to lose the place they called home.
“Please include our beloved ABS-CBN Sports team in your prayers. They have served our audience well as advocates of the best values in sports.”
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