Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN sports network has eliminated about 100 positions , following the sports network’s freeze on hiring and executive pay.

The reductions were made across the company, Bristol, Conn.-based ESPN said Thursday. Spokesman Josh Krulewitz says ESPN plans to replace the jobs that have been cut with others that “more effectively grow our company, and our head count number, ultimately, will remain consistent with current levels.”

The company said in January the network would cut jobs, eliminate 200 open positions and freeze hiring in the fiscal year ending in September 2010. Top executives will also forgo pay raises.

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