BRISTOL, Conn. — Officials at Connecticut-based ESPN say the sports broadcasting network will institute a long-term hiring freeze, cut 200 open jobs and reorganize its work force.

ESPN President George Bodenheimer told employees this week that ESPN had a good year in 2008, but must do more ensure its stability and growth as major advertisers struggle with the bad economy.

ESPN employs about 5,700 people worldwide, including about 3,400 at its Bristol headquarters.

Officials say a Los Angeles production agency that will offer a West Coast version of "SportsCenter" will be excluded from the hiring freeze.

Construction of a new office building and a new daycare facility at its Bristol headquarters also will continue.