The Disney-owned ESPN sports channel is asking some of its on-air personalities to take a 15 per cent pay cut over the next three months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pay cuts, which are voluntary, would apply to ESPN’s highest-paid broadcasters. According to the network they are designed to help deter further immediate furloughs that would affect employees who might be more financially vulnerable.

ESPN has already furloughed those who work on live events.

“We are asking about 100 of our commentators to join with our executives and take a temporary salary reduction,” ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said. “These are challenging times and we are all in this together.”

ESPN executives are taking 20-30 per cent salary reductions as part of cost-cutting measures instituted throughout Walt Disney Corp.

ESPN has been re-airing games, “30 for 30” specials and NFL draft previews in the absence of live events.