“We at ESPN like competition. It makes us better. It makes us sharper.”

ESPN gets it — competition improves performance. The network has announced layoffs as it seeks to streamline operations and do a better job of delivering sports content and entertainment. It is no coincidence that the effort comes as competition looms.

ESPN, which held its annual upfront presentation for ad buyers in New York last week, faces a new competitor in the fall with the August launch of Fox Sports 1 in 81 million homes. ESPN presidentJohn Skipper addressed the new rival, noting that he’s already fending off poaching efforts.

“We at ESPN like competition,” said Skipper. “It makes us better. It makes us sharper.”

I patiently await to see if, or when, the anti-school choice crowd will acknowledge what ESPN knows.