Berman taking a reduced role at ESPN

Chris Berman will step down as the host of ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," "NFL PrimeTime" and "Monday Night Countdown" after this year’s Super Bowl, ending a 31-year run as ESPN's primary NFL studio host, during which time he became the net’s most recognizable face. Berman, who has been at ESPN since '79 and has been an instrumental part of the net’s growth over the past three decades, also will stop hosting such marquee events for the net as the NFL Draft and Home Run Derby. The moves come as part of a new multiyear deal that will keep 61-year-old Berman at ESPN in a reduced role. He will continue to appear weekly on “Monday Night Countdown,” where he will conduct taped interviews and host historical segments about the league. His new deal also calls for him to host “NFL PrimeTime” twice a year -- once after the Super Bowl and once after the conference championship games. Berman also will do play-by-play for ESPN Radio on MLB LDS games. He additionally will be part of the ESPYs. “I like to think of myself as an ESPN lifer,” said Berman. “There really wasn't any thought of doing anything else. ... We’ve had a great working relationship extending 38 years.” Berman’s longtime agent Lou Oppenheim represented the anchor through the negotiations. ESPN Senior VP/Event & Studio Production Stephanie Druley said the new deal came after months of talks. “It’s always been about finding the best fit, and Chris has had a say in every part of that,” she said. “By no means are we pushing him out the door, or even easing him out the door.”

NigelUno wrote:ESPN has been cutting salary for a long time.

Just the latest.

DWags wrote:They should hire Keith Jackson.