ESPN SuccessStory

The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network was initially launched on the 7^th of September 1979. Since then the global cable has been successfully airing live sports events across the globe.

Success Story

In May 1978, Bill Rasmussen who had just been fired from his old job with the New England Whalers from the World’s Hockey Association conceived the idea of ESPN. For the first few months Bill and his son struggled in finding the ideal location to set up the ESPN Office. Eventually however Bristol, Connecticut was selected as the perfect space to set up the office. Finally on the 7^th of September 1979 the first ever telecast of the SportsCenter was telecast.

SportCenter was broadcast to over 1.4 million people. The next big step in the success story of ESPN came about when the channel acquired rights to telecast and broadcast the popular NCAA Division Men’s Basketball. Since then there has been absolutely no looking back for ESPN. ESPN has expanded globally and now airs sports and live matches and tournament across the world.

Rival Products

ESPN like all other successful channels have a few rivals. These rivals include the NBC Sports Network, Star Sports, CBS Sports Network and several others. These channels give ESPN a healthy amount of competition.

Inventor

As we know it, the idea of ESPN was conceived by Bill Rasmussen. The channel and global cable was then co-founded by Bill and is son Scott. Bill’s early career in the media began as a radio jockey for an American rock station 100.5. Bill then graduated on to become Sports Director and a News Director. He further went on to play the role of communications director for the New England Whalers, a role he was eventually fired from. Loosing his job triggered the idea of ESPN in Bill and there has been no looking back since.

Review

ESPN is extremely popular amongst sports fans globally. As such the channel gives viewers absolutely nothing to complain about. All the latest and live matches and tournaments for sports across the globe are telecasted by ESPN. Ideally it is said that children below the age of ten should avoid watching ESPN as the sports telecast is safe however the news telecast may contain violent and gory information. One can say ESPN is the worldwide leader in sports. The Sports Directors and News Directors of this channel provide a straightforward and unbiased opinion of the events.