Post on 14-Jan-2015
description
ESPN: The World Wide Leader in
Sports
David Weil
Fall 2010 James Scholar Project
Research Question
How has ESPN’s media coverage affected sports over the last thirty years? Furthermore, have sports evolved as a result of ESPN or has the sports network evolved based on how today’s fans consume sports?
History of ESPN
Founded in 1979 N0 24-hours news or music networks yet (CNN
—1980, MTV—1981)
Sign on show was rugged yet very exciting Available in 1.4 million homes in 1979 5x the amount of homes a year later
Programming
Sportscenter
Outside the Lines
Cold Pizza
Pardon the Interruption
Original Dramas Playmakers Bronx is Burning 30 for 30 documentaries
On-air Personalities
According to Don Skwar, the sports editor at the Boston Globe, “They bring so much to people before and after the event, plus analysis and in-depth stuff”
Key Personality traits Affable Fun Knowledge of popular culture Entertaining Exciting
On-air Personalities
Seminal Seventeen List of seventeen different themes or
directions that a highlight might take such as the “Defense Wins Highlight” or “The History Highlight.”
Brand Equity
“ESPN has turned sport into a utility”
ESPN2
ESPNnews
ESPN3.com
ESPN Zone (Recently closed)
ESPN Magazine
ESPN on Xbox 360 Connect
ESPN.com—Localized sites in Chicago, New York, Dallas, Boston
Transforming Sports
Vernacular Web gems En Fuego
Flex-schedule for events
“The Decision”
Why ESPN?
Takes sports seriously but not so seriously
Unique perspective on sports Combination of reverence for sports and
irreverence for every convention that pertained to sports
Consistent Credible journalism Awareness of popular culture
What Does the Future Hold
Mobile Apps
Live-streaming video iPad Xbox Connect
ESPN 3D
Social media based programming