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Updated live from Wikipedia, last check: May 20, 2013 16:10 UTC (46 seconds ago)

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For the railroad, see East Penn Railroad.
For the British ESPN-owned channel of the same name, see ESPN (UK).
Not to be confused with ESPM or ESP.
ESPN
ESPN wordmark.svg
Launched September 7, 1979
Owned by The Walt Disney Company (80%)
Hearst Corporation (20%)
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
720p (HDTV)
3DTV (June 2010)
Slogan The Worldwide Leader in Sports
Country United States
Language English
Headquarters Bristol, Connecticut
Formerly called Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (never used on air)
Sister channel(s) ESPN2
ESPNU
ESPN America
ESPN Brasil
ESPN Classic
ESPN Deportes
ESPNews
ESPN Plus
ESPN on ABC
ESPN (UK)
TSN
ESPN360
Website ESPN.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV 73 HD only (MPEG-2)
206 (SD/HD) (MPEG-4)
210 Alternate feed
Dish Network 140 (SD/HD)
145 147 148 Alternate feeds
Cable
Available on most cable systems Check local listings for channels
Verizon Fios 70 (SD)
570 (HD)
IPTV
AT&T U-Verse 602 (SD)
1602 (HD)
Internet television
ESPN360 ESPN360.com
.ESPN is an American cable television network dedicated to broadcasting and producing sports-related programming 24 hours a day.^ A real downside: there are still a significant number of homes without cable or satellite that would be cut off from the broadcasts if it's shifted to ESPN. .
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPNU: The 24-hour college sports network, which launched in March 2005, will present a package of SEC football for the first time, with a Saturday game-of-the-week (generally in primetime and a minimum of 13 games annually).
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]
.Founded by Scott Rasmussen and his father Bill, it launched on September 7, 1979 under the direction of Chet Simmons, the network's first President and CEO (and later the United States Football League's first commissioner).^ ESPNU: The 24-hour college sports network, which launched in March 2005, will present a package of SEC football for the first time, with a Saturday game-of-the-week (generally in primetime and a minimum of 13 games annually).
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Close In 1983 the upstart United States Football League (USFL) had the audacity to challenge the almighty NFL. .
  • ESPN 30 for 30 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC 30for30.espn.com [Source type: General]

 Getty Oil Company provided the funding to begin the new venture. .George Bodenheimer is ESPN's current president, a position he has held since November 19, 1998; since March 3, 2003, he has also headed ABC Sports, a separate legal entity now branded as ESPN on ABC.^ BIRMINGHAM, AL -- ESPN and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) have reached a milestone 15-year agreement beginning in 2009-10 and continuing through 2023-24, it was announced by George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN, Inc.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ It is now my pleasure to turn the call over to John Skipper, ESPN's Executive Vice President Content.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]
.ESPN's signature telecast, SportsCenter, debuted with the network and aired its 30,000th episode on February 11, 2007. ESPN broadcasts primarily out of its studios in Bristol, Connecticut; it also operates offices out of New York City; Seattle, WA; Charlotte, NC and Los Angeles.^ ESPN Classic: The network may telecast select SEC live games as well as historic and immediate encore presentations.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ February 24th, 2008 at 11:26 am ESPN Praises Web Standards - Betaflow says: [...
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ New York: 1050 ESPN Radio Your home for New York sports.
  • New York Yankees - Yankees Baseball Clubhouse - ESPN 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC baseball.espn.go.com [Source type: General]

 The Los Angeles office, from which the late-night edition of SportsCenter is now broadcast, opened at L.A. Live in early 2009. .The name of the sport company was lengthened to "ESPN Inc."^ Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 in February 1985.
.ESPN markets itself as "The Worldwide Leader in Sports," a slogan that appears on nearly all company media but whose origin is unknown.^ How much is this a statement on your guys parts just to be at that still that worldwide leader in sports by locking up conference programming like this?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [citation needed]
.Most programming on ESPN and its affiliated networks consists of live or tape-delayed sets of events and sports-related news programming (such as SportsCenter).^ The most dramatic publishing mode is “War” which we reserve for when a team wins a national championship, there is a major sports tragedy, or if there is otherwise spectacular sports news to report.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Classic: The network may telecast select SEC live games as well as historic and immediate encore presentations.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ And the lastly and most importantly, ESPN will provide the conference with the technology and operations infrastructure to create an online SEC academic network, utilizing ESPN 360 technology.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .The remainder includes sports-related talk shows (such as Around the Horn, Jim Rome is Burning, Outside the Lines, "SportsNation", and PTI), sports-related documentaries, films (such as "3: The Dale Earnhardt Story"), and original series (such as "The Bronx Is Burning").^ Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin appeared on ESPN's Jim Rome is Burning , and he're what the team's co-captain had to say about a few topics: .
  • Dallas Cowboys Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC cowboysblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Next • • • An unprecedented documentary series featuring thirty films from some of today’s finest storytellers.
  • ESPN 30 for 30 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC 30for30.espn.com [Source type: General]

Contents

History

Early months

ESPN was originally conceived by Bill Rasmussen, a television sports reporter for WWLP, the NBC affiliate in Springfield, Massachusetts. .In the mid-1970s, Rasmussen worked for the World Hockey Association's New England Whalers, selling commercial time for their broadcasts.^ Associated Press (1 day ago) The New York Yankees are taking their World Series trophy to Asia.
  • New York Yankees - Yankees Baseball Clubhouse - ESPN 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC baseball.espn.go.com [Source type: General]

 His son Scott, a former high school goaltender, was the team's public-address announcer. Both were fired in 1977 and Rasmussen sought a new business venture. .His original idea was a cable television network (then a fairly new medium) that focused on covering sports events in the state of Connecticut (for example, the Hartford Whalers, Bristol Red Sox, and the Connecticut Huskies).^ Schools University of Alabama University of Arkansas Auburn University University of Florida University of Georgia University of Kentucky Louisiana State University University of Mississippi Mississippi State University University of South Carolina University of Tennessee Vanderbilt University                    News SEC News Releases SEC Academic Network SEC Digital Network SEC Sports News .
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .When Rasmussen was told that buying a continuous 24-hour satellite feed was less expensive than buying several blocks of only a few hours a night, he expanded to a 24-hour nationwide network.^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC basketball on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The only question: Is it possible to write a check for an amount less than one dollar?
  • Dallas Cowboys Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC cowboysblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 The channel's original name was ESP, for Entertainment and Sports Programming, but it was changed prior to launch.[1]
ESPN started with the debut of SportsCenter hosted by Lee Leonard and George Grande on September 7, 1979. Afterwards was a pro slow pitch softball game. The first score on SportsCenter was from women's tennis on the final weekend of the US Open.
.To help fill 24 hours a day of air time, ESPN aired a wide variety of sports events that broadcast networks did not show on weekends, including Australian rules football, Davis Cup tennis, professional wrestling, boxing, and additional college football and basketball games.^ ESPN will open its college basketball season with 12 games in 24 hours.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN has announced a bunch of games for its prime time college football schedule.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPNU: The 24-hour college sports network, which launched in March 2005, will present a package of SEC football for the first time, with a Saturday game-of-the-week (generally in primetime and a minimum of 13 games annually).
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .The U.S. Olympic Festival, the now-defunct competition that was organized as a training tool by the United States Olympic Committee, was also an ESPN staple during this time.^ Ohlmeyer, now the ombudsman at ESPN, devotes 3,650 words to the network's coverage of the Mike Leach affair during the Valero Alamo Bowl in painstaking detail.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ESPN also aired business shows and exercise videos.
.ESPN recruited Steve Powell, formerly Director of Sports Programming at HBO, to be its first head of Programming.^ Any sports talk radio station program director on the subject of his station's ratings.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ A weekly, one hour program over 41 weeks on ESPN U will be dedicated to SEC Sports where at least one feature per episode dedicated to academics.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN is the number one online sports property in the world because we do things first.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 Powell had been the youngest VP at HBO and its parent company (Time, Inc.), but left to attend Harvard Business School. He worked for ESPN while completing the MBA Program at Harvard.

Professional sports arrive

.ESPN (along with the USA Network) was among the earliest cable-based broadcast partners for the National Basketball Association (NBA).^ A real downside: there are still a significant number of homes without cable or satellite that would be cut off from the broadcasts if it's shifted to ESPN. .
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC basketball on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 Lasting from 1982–84, the network's relationship with the association marked its initial foray into the American professional sports sector. .After an eighteen-year hiatus, ESPN (by then, under the auspices of the ABC network), secured a $2.4 billion/six-year broadcast contract with the NBA, thereby revitalizing its historic compact with U.S. professional basketball.^ Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce today that the Southeastern Conference has entered into an historic 15 year agreement with ESPN, the most expensive college conference agreement ever.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The NCAA has an opt-out provision it could exercise early next year in its current NCAA men's basketball tournament contract with CBS, USA Today reports.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]
.In 1983, The United States Football League (USFL) made its debut on ESPN and ABC. The league (which lasted for three seasons) enjoyed ephemeral success, some portion of which was a byproduct of the exposure afforded through ESPN's coverage.^ Close In 1983 the upstart United States Football League (USFL) had the audacity to challenge the almighty NFL. .
  • ESPN 30 for 30 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC 30for30.espn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ We're going to add a regular game on ESPN U. We're going to have a regular season game on ESPN on ABC, the conference tournament semifinals and championship obviously on ESPN and ABC as well.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ TV. The league was told that the release of the ESPN/ABC college football schedule should come early next month.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]
.On July 26, 1985, ESPN started airing the ESPN Sports Update (later known as 28/58), which was a condensed run-down of scores and news that aired at :28 and :58 portions of the hour, when SportsCenter was not airing.^ ESPN Regional Television will become the new over-the-air syndication home for SEC football and basketball games.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ A weekly, one hour program over 41 weeks on ESPN U will be dedicated to SEC Sports where at least one feature per episode dedicated to academics.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ SEC Sports News » Unprecedented ESPN Agreement .
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [2] This was changed to 18/58 on May 30, 2005.
.In 1987, ESPN gained partial rights to the National Football League.^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN has acquired rights to every SEC home football game (excluding those on the network broadcast package) and will serve as the exclusive national cable home and the syndication rightsholder for the conference.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In football, all of the football games to which the conference controls the rights will be televised on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN U, ESPN Classic, on an expanded over the air syndication package, ESPN Game Plan, regional cable package or on CBS. .
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .The league agreed to the deal as long as ESPN agreed to simulcast the games on local television stations in the participating markets.^ The game will be televised on local CBS stations in Houston and surrounding markets.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Regional Television will become the new over-the-air syndication home for SEC football and basketball games.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Mobile TV: Live games will be simulcast on mobile phones.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .ESPN Sunday Night Football would last for 19 years and spur ESPN's rise to legitimacy.^ The Worldwide Leader in Sports not only has the Sunday night Yankees-Orioles finale, it has seven hours of pre-game spread over ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS and ESPN Classic.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ On ESPN's E:60 last night Mrs. Favre revealed that on occasion she has coached her husband.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Rangers make ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball lineup .
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 In the 2006 NFL season, ESPN began airing Monday Night Football, formerly seen on its sister network ABC. (NBC took over the Sunday night game, which replaced the Monday night contest as the league's weekly centerpiece game) Former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue credits ESPN for revolutionizing the NFL, "ESPN was able to take the draft, the pregame and highlight shows, and other NFL programming to a new level."[3]
.In 1990, ESPN added Major League Baseball to its lineup with a $400 million contract;[4] the contract has been renewed and will continue through at least 2011. Jon Miller and Joe Morgan are the longtime voices of the network's centerpiece Sunday Night Baseball.^ ESPN and ESPN2: The networks will triple the offerings by featuring SEC action three nights per week through a minimum of 24 intra-conference games plus an additional six inter-conference matchups involving the SEC each season.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN and ESPN2 will continue to offer premier SEC games, including Saturday night and two primetime Thursday football games, triple the basketball offerings with three nights (two new) of men's basketball and present SEC Championships in women's basketball, baseball, softball and gymnastics.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 Steve Phillips joined the package in 2009, but Phillips was later dismissed by the network in October 2009.
.ESPN broadcast each of the four major professional sports leagues in North America from 2002 until 2004, when it cut ties with the National Hockey League;[5] the network had aired NHL games from 1983-86 and again since 1993. ESPN has been broadcasting Major League Soccer games about once a week on ESPN2 since that league's inception in 1996. In most years, the annual All-Star Game and MLS Cup championship game, and in some years the Opening Night game, are shown on ABC broadcast stations.^ Games for all major series .
  • Cricinfo.com | Cricket news, live scores and statistics 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.cricinfo.com [Source type: General]

 ^ A real downside: there are still a significant number of homes without cable or satellite that would be cut off from the broadcasts if it's shifted to ESPN. .
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Close He has won four Olympic gold medals, graced the cover of Time magazine and been honored as Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
  • ESPN 30 for 30 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC 30for30.espn.com [Source type: General]
.With the increasing costs of live sports entertainment, such as the U.S.$8.8 billion costs for NFL football broadcasts rights for eight years, "scripted entertainment has become a luxury item for ESPN," said David Carter, director of the Sports Business Institute at the University of Southern California.^ ESPN Regional Television will become the new over-the-air syndication home for SEC football and basketball games.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ "I'm gonna tell you something: If Dallas goes on a run like that, it's a discredit to team sports, it's a discredit to team unity," Carter said on ESPN Radio this morning.
  • Dallas Cowboys Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC cowboysblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 [6]
.ESPN broadcasts 65 sports, 24 hours a day in 15 languages in more than 150 countries.^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC basketball on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ A weekly, one hour program over 41 weeks on ESPN U will be dedicated to SEC Sports where at least one feature per episode dedicated to academics.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [7]

Expansion

ESPN set itself apart from its competition by using the top reporters for each of their respective sports by the early 1990s. Some examples included: Peter Gammons (baseball), Chris Mortensen (football), Al Morganti (hockey), David Aldridge (basketball), and Mel Kiper, Jr. (NFL Draft). Other well-known reporters include Andrea Kremer, Ed Werder, Mark Schwartz, and Greg Garber.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw considerable growth within the company. ESPN Radio launched on New Years Day, 1992.[8] ESPN2 was founded in 1993, launched by Keith Olbermann and Suzy Kolber with SportsNite. Three years later ESPNews was born, with Mike Tirico as the first anchor. .In 1997, ESPN purchased Classic Sports Network and renamed it ESPN Classic.^ ESPN Classic: The network may telecast select SEC live games as well as historic and immediate encore presentations.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 The youngest ESPN network in the USA, ESPNU, began broadcasting on March 4, 2005.
ESPN International was started in the early 1990s to take advantage of the growing satellite markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Canada, ESPN, Inc. purchased a minority share of TSN and RDS (the corporate logos of both networks were redesigned to match the look of ESPN's logo). In 2004, ESPN entered the European market by launching a version of ESPN Classic. Then in December 2006 it agreed to purchase North American Sports Network, and on February 1, 2009 NASN was re-branded as ESPN America. SportsCenter's primary three broadcasts on ESPN America each day are at 1am ET (which re-airs usually until 9am ET), 6pm ET, and 11pm ET.
In 1994, ESPN launched the The ESPN Sports Poll, created by Dr. Richard Luker. The Sports Poll was the first ongoing national daily study of sports fan activities and interests in the United States. Sporting News acknowledged the accomplishments of The ESPN Sports Poll and Dr. Luker in 1996.[9]
From 1996 onward ESPN was closely integrated with ABC Sports. .That year Steve Bornstein, president of ESPN since 1990, was made president of ABC Sports as well.^ We're going to add a regular game on ESPN U. We're going to have a regular season game on ESPN on ABC, the conference tournament semifinals and championship obviously on ESPN and ABC as well.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In addition, the network will present a weekly, hour-long program on SEC sports throughout the academic year as well as sport-by-sport previews, reviews and specials.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .This integration culminated in the 2006 decision to merge ABC Sports' operations with ESPN. As a result, all of ABC's sports programming now uses ESPN on ABC.^ ESPN.com allows customers, free-of-charge, to use our vast online sports resource in exchange for one thing: exposure to advertising and sponsorships.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 However, ABC Sports is still legally separate from ESPN due to ESPN's joint ownership arrangement with Disney and Hearst.
.In 1998, ESPN began using "Skycam" for their broadcasts of the NHL. The system was later put to use in baseball, basketball, and football games.^ ESPN Regional Television will become the new over-the-air syndication home for SEC football and basketball games.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The semifinals and championship of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament will be televised nationally for the first time on ESPN on ABC. All SEC championship games except football will be aired on either ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN on ABC, ESPNU or ESPN Classic.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Q. Have I heard you to say all home basketball games in the SEC will also be on one of the ESPN platforms?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [2]
.In April 2009, ESPN opened a broadcast production facility in downtown Los Angeles as a part of the L.A. Live complex across from Staples Center.^ Two, as part of our ESPN's campus connection on ESPN U each year, students at each of our institutions will produce, direct, and serve as a talent on a live event telecast under the ESPN production team assigned to that event.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .The five-story facility houses an ESPN Zone restaurant on the first two floors and two television production studios with digital control rooms on the upper floors.^ Highlights will include weekly doubleheaders on Saturdays, Wednesday night games, a studio show and the first two rounds of the SEC Tournament.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 One of the studios hosts late-night editions of SportsCenter.[10]
.In 2007, ESPN signed an agreement with the Arena Football League to broadcast at least one game every weekend, usually on Monday nights.^ In fact, there's at least one in nearly every category.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ First, generally speaking, all broadcasts of games on ESPN platforms including ESPN and ESPN2, will be prominently branded and promoted as "The SEC on ESPN".
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Q. Have I heard you to say all home basketball games in the SEC will also be on one of the ESPN platforms?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]
In January 2008, ESPN signed a multi-million dollar contract with professional gaming circuit, Major League Gaming (MLG).
.On 3 August 2009, ESPN began broadcasting in the United Kingdom and Ireland for the first time, having been awarded the domestic rights to 46 Barclays English Premier League matches for the forthcoming season, and 23 matches each for the following three seasons, due to the cancellation of the Premier League's contract with Setanta Sports over a missed payment.^ August 23, 2009 .
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Deportes: ESPN has acquired domestic Spanish-language rights for SEC football on the 24-hour, U.S.-based network.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ First, generally speaking, all broadcasts of games on ESPN platforms including ESPN and ESPN2, will be prominently branded and promoted as "The SEC on ESPN".
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 The deal only affected television rights within the U.K.; international rights (held in the U.S. by Fox Soccer Channel and Setanta Sports North America) were not affected. .Also in the US, ESPN now has rights to at least one Premier League and one La Liga game a week.^ Q. Have I heard you to say all home basketball games in the SEC will also be on one of the ESPN platforms?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ PETE DERZIS: So every home football game or every football game that the conference has a right to will be televised on one or more of the various packages or platforms either over the air, on a network platform or one of the ESPN platforms, including over the air and on regional cable.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Under this agreement I can say that if you're a fan, every SEC home game will be somewhere in some format either on CBS or ESPN, one of the formats?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [11]
.On January 5, 2010, ESPN announced plans for a new network, ESPN 3D, to premiere on June 11, 2010. The new network will broadcast 85 sporting events in 3D during its first year, including the FIFA World Cup match between South Africa and Mexico and the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.^ January 21, 2010 11:23 AM .
  • ESPN - High School Soccer 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC myespn.go.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Regional Television will become the new over-the-air syndication home for SEC football and basketball games.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPNU: The 24-hour college sports network, which launched in March 2005, will present a package of SEC football for the first time, with a Saturday game-of-the-week (generally in primetime and a minimum of 13 games annually).
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .ESPN has been testing a 3D broadcast for more than 2 years.^ Q. We're seeing some reports that ESPN U is probably going to be more widely distributed than it is now, perhaps with a new deal with com cast.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ With this landmark agreement, ESPN and its platforms will continue to showcase the SEC with more games and original SEC-dedicated content than ever before.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .Additional broadcasts may include up to 25 World Cup matches and the Summer X Games.^ Basically, I just wanted to catch up with one of the smoothest broadcasters in the game.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Additionally, Game 3 and a potential series-clinching Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals will air on Versus starting this season.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The World Wide Leader in broadcasting men's college basketball announced today that it will off up "approximately 1,100 games across multiple platforms" this season.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 [12]

Controversy

See also: Criticism of ESPN

Ownership history

As mentioned, William Rasmussen founded the channel. .Just before ESPN launched, Getty Oil Company (later purchased by Texaco, which in turn was acquired by Chevron) agreed to buy a majority stake in the network.^ Spread the wealth around before fans turn on ESPN the way investors have turned on bankers.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ I'll just point out that the folks at NFL Network are hopping mad that Jon Gruden snubbed them for ESPN. Peter King has the scoop.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ McCoy hit just about every major ESPN platform, like the video below or this.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]
.In 1984, ABC made a deal with Getty Oil to acquire ESPN. ABC retained an 80% share, and sold 20% to Nabisco.^ Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .The Nabisco shares were later sold to Hearst Corporation, which still holds a 20% stake today.^ The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. .
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 In 1986, ABC was purchased for $3.5 billion by Capital Cities Communications. .In 1995, The Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion and picked up an 80% stake in ESPN at that time.^ Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .According to an analysis published by Barron's magazine in February 2008, ESPN "is probably worth more than 40% of Disney's entire value...^ February 24th, 2008 at 11:26 am ESPN Praises Web Standards - Betaflow says: [...
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Q. We're seeing some reports that ESPN U is probably going to be more widely distributed than it is now, perhaps with a new deal with com cast.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ I know I’m probably more hypercritical of stuff like that than the population at large, but the point is that we’d like to put the user in control wherever possible.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 based on prevailing cash-flow multiples in the industry."
.Although ESPN has been operated as a Disney subsidiary since 1996, it is still technically a joint venture between Disney and Hearst.^ Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Q. Is there a possibility of somewhere down the road there are joint ventures between the two entities to actually distribute and do the DVD's or anything else that might follow?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

ESPNHD

Logo of ESPNHD
.ESPNHD, launched on March 30, 2003, is a 720p high-definition simulcast of ESPN. ESPNHD (along with sister networks ESPN2 HD, ESPNU HD, ABC HD, Disney Channel HD, ABC Family HD, and Disney XD HD) uses the 720p HD line standard because the ABC executives proposed a progressive 'p' signal resolves fluid and high speed motion in sports better, particularly during slow motion replays.^ Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Sports media assets include ESPN (launched in 1979), ESPN on ABC, five additional domestic cable television networks (ESPN2; ESPN Classic; ESPNEWS; ESPN Deportes; ESPNU), ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD and ESPNEWS HD (high-definition simulcast services of ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNEWS, respectively), ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (34 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine , ESPN Enterprises, ESPN PPV, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN360.com (Broadband), ESPN Mobile Properties (wireless), ESPN On Demand and ESPN Interactive.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPNU: The 24-hour college sports network, which launched in March 2005, will present a package of SEC football for the first time, with a Saturday game-of-the-week (generally in primetime and a minimum of 13 games annually).
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [13]
.All Bristol and LA Live studio shows, along with most live events on ESPN, are produced in high definition.^ ESPNU will cover all SEC Conference events not on ESPN or ESPN2, including swimming and diving, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field and women's soccer.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In addition, ESPN U will produce and televise a one hour preseason SEC football show and a one hour men's and women's basketball preview show.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In addition, ERT will produce and distribute a studio show.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .ESPN is one of the few networks with an all-digital infrastructure.^ Q. Have I heard you to say all home basketball games in the SEC will also be on one of the ESPN platforms?
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ And the lastly and most importantly, ESPN will provide the conference with the technology and operations infrastructure to create an online SEC academic network, utilizing ESPN 360 technology.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN and ESPN2: SEC teams will make a minimum of 16 appearances on ESPN or ESPN2 and one of the networks will also televise the conference tournament championship game.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .Shows that are recorded elsewhere − such as Jim Rome Is Burning (Los Angeles); Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn (Washington, D.C.) are presented in a standard definition, 4:3 format with stylized pillarboxes.^ Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin appeared on ESPN's Jim Rome is Burning , and he're what the team's co-captain had to say about a few topics: .
  • Dallas Cowboys Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC cowboysblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ESPN, however, maintains a policy that any video that originates in high definition must remain in HD when aired on ESPNHD.
More recently, the network has come under considerable scrutiny from industry technicians and early adopters of HD due to a perceived degradation in picture quality, specifically during live events.[14]
.In Latin America, the 720p high-definition version of ESPN was launched as "ESPN HD" on April 28, 2009 (only Brazil) and on December 1, 2009 in other countries.^ As you know, ESPN regional is the largest syndicator in the country, and we've been very successful over the years distributing content from the Big Ten, and the Big East and Big 12 and others.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [15]

ESPN 3D

On June 11, 2010, ESPN will launch ESPN 3D, the country's first 3DTV channel. The first programming in the format will be the 2010 World Cup. .ESPN states another 85 live events will be in 3D in the first year.^ Two, as part of our ESPN's campus connection on ESPN U each year, students at each of our institutions will produce, direct, and serve as a talent on a live event telecast under the ESPN production team assigned to that event.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 [16]

Executives

.
  • George Bodenheimer: President, ESPN, Inc.^ BIRMINGHAM, AL -- ESPN and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) have reached a milestone 15-year agreement beginning in 2009-10 and continuing through 2023-24, it was announced by George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN, Inc.
    • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

     [17]
  • Sean Bratches: Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing[18]
  • Christine Driessen: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer[19]
  • Sean Fleming: Executive Vice President, Administration[20]
  • Clark West: Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer[21]
  • Reno Mahe: Executive Vice President, Content[22]
  • Norby Williamson: Executive Vice President, Studio and Remote Production[23]
  • Russell Wolff: Executive Vice President and Managing Director, ESPN International[24]

Advertising on ESPN

Advertising on ESPN is sold out for months in advance. Major advertisers such as Apple, FedEx, and United Parcel Service are continually buying advertisements to reach the 15-35 year old male audience. .ESPN's ad revenue averages $441.8 million with an ad rate of $9,446 per 30 second slot.^ ESPN's Monday Night DH averaged 13 million viewers, up 15 percent from last year.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Unfortunately for ESPN, it's NBA games have been averaging a 1.2 rating.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In Dallas-Fort Worth, the Cowboys-Eagles averaged a combined 37.5 rating on KXTA (Channel 21) and ESPN. That translates into 913,350 homes.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 [25]

ESPN significant programming rights

ESPN and its family of networks (ESPN on ABC, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Plus and to a lesser extent ESPN Classic) have rights to the following sports and events (note: this list doesn't represent ESPN America since that division of ESPN broadcasts outside of the USA):
  • 1987–1989 (Sunday Night; exclusive cable; second half of season only)
  • 1990–1997 (Sunday Night; second half of season only; TNT carried first half)
  • 1998–2005 (Sunday Night; exclusive cable; entire season, selected Thursday & Saturday night games)
  • 1988–1994, 2003–2005, 2010 (Pro Bowl, acquired rights from ABC)
  • 2006–2013 (Monday Night Football)
  • 1996–2014
  • 1990–2013
  • 1985[26]–2014. Occurs in late August.
  • 1982–1984
  • 2002–2016
WNBA on ESPN (Originally "The WNBA on ESPN2")
  • 2002–2016
  • NCAA Tournament: 1980–1990 (Contract with NCAA)
  • ACC (some telecasts, including games in the conference tournament, are blacked out in ACC markets):
  • Big Ten Conference: 1979–2017
  • Big 12: 2008–2016, ESPN Plus (ESPN Plus has exclusive rights to some games in Big 12 markets to protect stations purchasing its syndicated package)
  • Big East: 1979–2013, ESPN Plus
.Tennis Grand Slams: As of 2009 ESPN co-owns the cable rights to all four of tennis' grand slams with The Tennis Channel.^ This is for all ESPN-owned sites.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ And now when the 2009 season hits: ESPN can get right to T.O. right from the get go.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ By the way, in case you are wondering where ESPN is getting all it's money, check your monthly cable bill.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ESPN also televises other tennis events.
  • 1980(?)–2006 (Contracts with individual PGA tournaments)
.ESPN continues to broadcast early round coverage from The Masters, U.S. Open, and Ryder Cup.^ The tournament championship game will be telecast on ESPN or ESPN2, the semifinals on ESPN U, and the early rounds on ESPN U or regional cable.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN Regional Television: ERT will syndicate a game-of-the-week during the regular season as well as the early rounds of the women's conference tournament.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 .Starting in 2010, ESPN will broadcast all four rounds of the Open Championship, marking the first time that a golf major is an all-cable event.^ The semifinals and championship of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament will be televised nationally for the first time on ESPN on ABC. All SEC championship games except football will be aired on either ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN on ABC, ESPNU or ESPN Classic.
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ First, generally speaking, all broadcasts of games on ESPN platforms including ESPN and ESPN2, will be prominently branded and promoted as "The SEC on ESPN".
  • http://www.secsports.com/news/unprecedented-espn-agreement.aspx 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.secsports.com [Source type: General]

 ^ First-time deal gives players leeway in juggling careers No Pakistanis for IPL 2010, says PCB .
  • Cricinfo.com | Cricket news, live scores and statistics 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.cricinfo.com [Source type: General]
  • 2000–present
  • 1981–2000 (Contracts with individual races)
  • 2007–2014 (Contract with NASCAR)
  • 1980(?)–2000 (Contracts with individual races)
  • 2001–2013 (Contract with NHRA)
  • 1996–2008 (full season)
  • 2009- (Indianapolis 500 and four other races, all shown on ABC)
  • 2009-
  • 2009-
  • 2009-2011
ESPN also broadcasts a range of horse racing. .It may sometimes acquire the rights to programming in other sports which airs only on ESPN 360, usually because another broadcaster holds the TV rights.^ Short and sweet: ESPN soon will be holding another contest.
  • Dallas Cowboys Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC cowboysblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

Former Programs

  • 1979–2009
  • Selected majors through deals with their respective sanctioning bodies
  • 1992-2001
  • 2007 (series merged with IRL, beginning with the 2008 season)
  • 1985–1988 (National television deal, agreements with individual clubs as early as 1979)
  • 1992–2004
  • 1985–1987
  • 2005–2006 (championship games only)
  • 1995-2009
  • 1989–2002
  • 2007–2011 (the league has suspended operations since the 2009 season)

ESPN in popular culture

ESPN has become a part of popular culture since its inception. .Many movies with a general sports theme will include ESPN announcers and programming into their storylines (such as in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, which gently lampoons the channel's multiple outlets by referencing the as-yet-nonexistent ESPN8, "The Ocho,"[27] a reference to a nickname sometimes used for ESPN2, "the Deuce").^ The Worldwide Leader in Sports not only has the Sunday night Yankees-Orioles finale, it has seven hours of pre-game spread over ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS and ESPN Classic.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN.com allows customers, free-of-charge, to use our vast online sports resource in exchange for one thing: exposure to advertising and sponsorships.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In Dallas-Fort Worth, the Cowboys-Eagles averaged a combined 37.5 rating on KXTA (Channel 21) and ESPN. That translates into 913,350 homes.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 In the film The Waterboy, Adam Sandler's character Bobby Boucher has his college football accomplishments tracked through several fictional "SportsCenter" newscasts including the "Bourbon Bowl." Also, ESPN.com Page 2 columnist Bill Simmons often jokes that he is looking forward to running a future network; SportsCenter anchors appeared as themselves in music videos by Brad Paisley (I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song)) and Hootie and the Blowfish (Only Wanna Be With You); and the short-lived 1998 TV series Sports Night (by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin) was based around an ESPN-style network and its titular, SportsCenter-analogue flagship sports results program.
.Many jokes have been made by comedians about fake obscure sports that are shown on ESPN before the network was able to land major sports programming packages.^ Networks have conference calls before big sports events like, say, the Super Bowl.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ He’s covered just about every sports beat before picking up sports media in 1991.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN is about to launch a new campaign designed to strengthen its grip on the sports media world.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 Dennis Miller mentioned watching "sumo rodeo," while George Carlin stated that ESPN showed "Australian dick wrestling." One of several Saturday Night Live sketches poking fun at the network features ESPN2 airing a show called Scottish Soccer Hooligan Weekly, which includes a fake advertisement for "Senior Women's Beach Lacrosse." In the early years of ESPN, Late Night with David Letterman even featured a "Top Ten List" poking fun at some of the obscure sports seen on ESPN at the time. One of the more memorable sports on the list was "Amish Rake Fighting."
There are at least 22 children named after the network.[28][29][30]

ESPN business ventures

Current

The ESPN family of networks

Television

ESPN Now

ESPN Now
Owned by The Walt Disney Company (80%)
Hearst Corporation (20%)
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
Country United States
Language English
.ESPN Now was a former rolling digital cable barker channel which aired from 2001-2004 and featured a scoring ticker, along with ESPN and Go.com promotional advertising.^ ESPN.com allows customers, free-of-charge, to use our vast online sports resource in exchange for one thing: exposure to advertising and sponsorships.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 .It mainly was used to promote ESPN's college sports pay per view packages to viewers.^ Our traffic fluctuates with popular sports being in or out of season, but throughout the year, we get anywhere from about 1 to 1.3 billion page views per month.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN.com allows customers, free-of-charge, to use our vast online sports resource in exchange for one thing: exposure to advertising and sponsorships.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 ^ For just our site on the ESPN.com domain, we average anywhere from about a half a billion to 950 million page views per month.
  • Interview: The ESPN.com Redesign | Mike Industries 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC www.mikeindustries.com [Source type: General]

 The channel was eventually discontinued with the rise of video on demand.

Internet

Radio

  • ESPN Radio (1992–present)
  • ESPN Deportes Radio (2005–present)
  • Rádio Eldorado ESPN (2007–present)
  • El Radio de esquita deportes de las noche) (1976–present)

Network-wide preemption

.Several times ESPN programming has been drastically altered because of coverage of world events.^ If When ESPN takes over BCS coverage after the 2010 games , don't be surprised if the culture at the World Wide Leader changes some.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ ESPN plans to offer live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony of the real world wide leader beginning at 10:30 am central time as part of SportsCenter.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The events will be part of ESPN's GameDay coverage leading up to the Oct.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]
Both ESPN and ESPN2 carried ABC News coverage of the September 11, 2001 attacks. .The only original program produced after the preemption was a shortened 6pm edition of SportsCenter which focused on covering the cancellations of sporting events in reaction to the terror attacks.^ Looks like big-time sporting events are headed to an era where they will be available only on pay television.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ I know, I know it's only golf but there isn't a better TV sports event all year than the U.S. Open.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]
.ESPN carried most of the first round of the 2003 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament due to CBS's coverage of the Invasion of Iraq.^ Categories: ESPN , Men's basketball , NCAA Tournament .
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The NCAA has an opt-out provision it could exercise early next year in its current NCAA men's basketball tournament contract with CBS, USA Today reports.
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ E-mail entry The entry "Three NCAA tournament notes you won't read anywhere else " is tagged: ESPN , NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT .
  • College Sports Blog | Sports News | News from Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 .The games were still produced by CBS and distributed to the correct markets through cable companies.^ Now folks have been hocking me to produce a list of the most cable friendly markets.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 ^ The game will be televised on local CBS stations in Houston and surrounding markets.
  • Sports Media Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News 2 February 2010 14:33 UTC sportsmediablog.dallasnews.com [Source type: General]

 The only identifiers of ESPN was the bottomline graphic which ran throughout the entire telecast.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ ESPN: An Uncensored History, by Michael Freeman. Published in 2000
  2. ^ a b ESPN's 30th Anniversary - 30 ESPN Firsts & Innovations ESPN MediaZone
  3. ^ ESPN: The Uncensored History
  4. ^ ESPN, Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9002482/ESPN
  5. ^ "ESPN decides not to match Comcast's offer". ESPN. August 18, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2137098. 
  6. ^ "ESPN calls time out on scripted fare", Variety, vol. 407, No. 1, May 21-27, 2007, p. 22
  7. ^ ESPN Inc Encyclopedia Britannica
  8. ^ ESPN's 30th Anniversary - Milestones ESPN MediaZone
  9. ^ , The Sporting News, December 30, 1996 
  10. ^ Greg Johnson, ESPN is on schedule to land in L.A. in 2009, Los Angeles Times, December 18, 2007.
  11. ^ ESPN snaps up Premier League TV packages, ESPN.com, 22 June 2009
  12. ^ a b ESPN 3D to show soccer, football, more ESPN, January 5, 2010
  13. ^ ESPN HD
  14. ^ What's Up With ESPN HD?
  15. ^ Espn HD en latinoamerica a partir 1 de diciembre OMBUDS CABLE - Comunidad de TV para abonados
  16. ^ Multichannel News January 5, 2010 ESPN Launching 3-D Net With World Cup Soccer - June 11 Match Slated To Be First of 85-Plus Live Events On Net in First Year
  17. ^ "The Walt Disney Company - George W. Bodenheimer Executive Biography". The Walt Disney Company. http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/bios/george_bodenheimer.html. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  18. ^ "SEAN R. H. BRATCHES Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/BratchesSean.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  19. ^ "CHRISTINE F. DRIESSEN Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/DriessenChris.html. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  20. ^ "EDWIN M. DURSO Executive Vice President, Administration". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/DursoEdwin.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  21. ^ "CHUCK PAGANO Executive Vice President, Technology". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/PaganoChuck.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  22. ^ "JOHN SKIPPER Executive Vice President, Content". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/SkipperJohn.html. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  23. ^ "NORBY WILLIAMSON Executive Vice President, Studio and Remote Production". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/WilliamsonNorby.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  24. ^ "RUSSELL WOLFF Executive Vice President and Managing Director, ESPN International". ESPN. http://media.espn.com/MediaZone/bios/executives/WolffRussell.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2007. 
  25. ^ ESPN IncEncyclopedia Britannica
  26. ^ "Little League Chronology". Little League Online. http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/05_2004/04emmyaward.htm. Retrieved April 7, 2007.  ESPN2 broadcasts started in 1997.
  27. ^ "Movie Preview: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story". Entertainment Weekly. April 21, 2004. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,613698,00.html. Retrieved July 30, 2008. 
  28. ^ Parents name baby after ESPN, Joe Montana, NBC Sports, October 9, 2006
  29. ^ "Texas toddler at least third named ESPN". ESPN. June 16, 2006. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1829996. 
  30. ^ Hiestand, Michael (February 7, 2006). "Lampley nearing most-called Olympics". USA Today. http://usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2006-02-07-hiestand-lampley_x.htm. Retrieved June 9, 2008. "ESPN says it's heard of at least 22 babies named ESPN" 
  31. ^ ESPNStar.com

External links


Simple English

ESPN
Type television network
Country United States
Availability National, through regional affiliates and satellite radio
Owner The Walt Disney Company (80%)
Hearst Corporation (20%)
Launch date September 7, 1979
Official Website www.espn.go.com

ESPN is an American sports television network. ESPN is an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. ESPN shows sporting events and games, and also has shows that show highlights of sporting events and that show people talking about sports. The network has also shown games or events other than sports, such as poker.

Contents

The ESPN family of networks

Television

  • ESPN (1979–present)
  • ESPN on ABC (2006-present, replacing ABC Sports)
  • ESPN International (1989–present)
  • ESPN2 (1993–present)
  • ESPNEWS (1996–present)
  • ESPN Classic (1997–present)
  • ESPNU (2005–present)
  • ESPN Deportes (2004–present)
  • ESPNHD (2003–present)
  • ESPN2HD (2005–present)
  • ESPN Plus (–present)
  • ESPN PPV (–present)

Internet

  • ESPN Motion (2003–present)
  • ESPN 360 (2005–present)

Radio

  • ESPN Radio (1992–present)
  • ESPN Deportes Radio (2005–present)

Films

Other websites

Retrieved from "http://yak.rapint.com/wiki/ESPN"

Citable sentences

Up to date as of December 28, 2010

Here are sentences from other pages on ESPN, which are similar to those in the above article.








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