Launch of ESPN

ESPN, Inc. is a pioneer among basic cable television networks, devoting its entire programming to a single subject: sports.

Key Dates:
1978: Bill Rasmussen forms Entertainment Sports Programming Network, Inc. (ESPN) to broadcast sporting events to cable television operators via satellite.
1979: ESPN begins broadcasting on a limited-time basis.
1980: ESPN begins broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1984: ABC, Inc. acquires ESPN.
1986: Capital Cities Communications, Inc. acquires ABC and becomes Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.
1987: ESPN begins broadcasting National Football League games.
1988: ESPN International is created.
1989: ESPN begins broadcasting Major League Baseball games.
1990: The Hearst Corporation acquires a 20 percent interest in ESPN from RJR Nabisco Inc.
1991: ESPN Radio Network is launched in conjunction with the ABC Radio Network.
1993: ESPN2 begins transmission.
1995: Walt Disney Company acquires Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and becomes ESPN's parent company.
1997: ESPN purchases the Classic Sports Network and launches ESPN Classic.
1998: ESPN: The Magazine is launched.
2003: ESPN HD, a high-definition television sports network, is introduced.