What started out as an idea for a regional sports service, blossomed into a sports media giant. ESPN has turned sports fans into addicts, and in fact, caused a woman to file for divorce claiming the network ruined her marriage. Devout ESPN watchers have even named their children ESPN, Travis Vogan offers an academic look at the network’s brand building, and becoming the true world wide leader in sports.
The network hemorrhaged millions of dollars after its inception in 1979, but by 1985, thanks the contracts with the NCAA, financial backing, and sponsorship deals, ESPN became profitable. ESPN transformed from showing sports event with marginal appeal, to landing a deal to broadcast NFL games in 1987. The author demonstrates how the ESPN culture was born, and how the network built SportsCenter into their signature show.
In 1993, ESPN launched ESPN to attract a younger audience. ESPN created the SportsCentury to list the top 50 athletes of the 20th century, with baskeball legend Michael Jordan receiving the top honor. Thanks to the network’s success, ESPN debuted ESPN The magazine in 1998. Vogan covers the success of shows original shows such as A Season on the Brink and The Bronx Is Burning.
The author wraps up his provocative look at ESPN becoming a media giant discussing ESPN’s launch of ESPN films, and the development of the critically acclaimed 30 for 30 series, which has earned the network Peabody Awards. I found Vogan’s “ESPN” enlightening, and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning how ESPN became a media empire, the world wide leader is sports.
By: Travis Vogan
Narrated by: Brad Enright
Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 04-18-17
