Midco Sports, a media entity that broadcasts athletics for the University of North Dakota, South Dakota State, and University of South Dakota, recently made the decision to lay off several employees. Sources reveal that on-air voices such as Brian Shawn, David Brown, Jody Norstedt and others were informed of the layoffs on Tuesday due to budget cuts.
In a statement from Paige Pearson Meyer, vice president of corporate communications at Midco Sports, the company announced that it would focus on enhancing streamed content on Midco Sports Plus and partnership content with universities on its linear channels Midco Sports and Midco Sports Two. As a result of this shift, high school sports and some original programming will no longer be produced or broadcasted on their linear channels. This has led to the difficult decision to reduce the number of full-time team members.
Despite the layoffs, Midco Sports holds contracts to air various athletic events such as UND football, hockey and basketball games; SDSU and USD football and basketball games; and Augustana hockey. The company has assured these schools’ athletic departments that the changes will not affect their existing contracts. Bill Chaves, athletic director at UND confirmed this information and expressed confidence in the ongoing partnerships with Midco Sports.
Some notable personalities affected by the layoffs include Brian Shawn known for his play-by-play duties for NDSU football before transitioning to UND football and basketball; Jody Norstedt whose focus was high school athletics in North Dakota; David Brown who is the voice of Augustana hockey; among others. Despite these changes Jay Elsen and Taylor Budge were retained in respective locations to continue their roles.
Midco Sports also previously televised quarterfinals and semifinals of Summit League men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. While recent layoffs have had an impact on the organization, Midco Sports remains committed to its partnerships with universities and plans on enhancing its content delivery through streaming services
