ESPN - by Michael Freeman (Paperback)

About the Book

Freeman traces the first 24-hour sports network from its inception through its evolution into a slick media outlet reaching more than 60 million homes via more than 26,000 cable providers. This paperback reveals the most recent developments at ESPN since the publication of the first edition, including the network's reactions to the book. 15 photos.

Book Synopsis

ESPN: The Uncensored History traces the first 24-hour sports network from its inception through its evolution into a slick media outlet reaching more than 60 million homes via more than 26,000 cable providers. Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, ESPN, has blazed a stunning path of achievement with its expansive coverage of broadcast sports-spinning off into ESPN2, ESPN Classic Sports, ESPNews, and ESPN Magazine-but has also experienced its share of controversy. Along the way, this American entrepreneurial triumph has alienated on-air talent, drawn charges of racial discrimination, and seen employees accused of blatant sexual harassment.
ESPN's success story is no fairy tale. Among the colorful lore and amusing anecdotes lurk serious complications and controversies. Through information gleaned from internal documents, police and court records, and interviews with network employees, on-air talent, producers, and executives, ESPN: The Uncensored History probes the inside story of America's premiere sports network. Part corporate history, part media and cultural analysis, and part expose, the book examines both the positive developments effected by the network and the bad habits it has picked up from the business it covers.
This paperback reveals the most recent developments at ESPN since the publication of the hardback, including the network's aggressive reactions to the book.

Review Quotes

... compelling subject matter for any sports fan.

... give[s] the reader a real insight to the early days at ESPN.

... sizzling expose ... truly shocking.

... stunning ... fascinating ....

...a fascinating new book...might make you watch ESPN in a whole new way.

...powerful and entertaining.

After reading this explosive book it's hard to believe that a network owned by the squeaky-clean Disney Corporation could allow the sexual hijinks that go on at ESPN to escape their corporate scrutiny. A devastating read.

Extensively researched, ESPN: The Uncensored History presents a fascinating, candid, revealing story in clear, unambiguous, and highly evocative language. A singularly memorable and compelling 'tell-all' book, ESPN: The Uncensored History is strongly recommended reading for all sports buffs.

Freeman uses network documents, court records, and (often anonymous) interviews with past and current employees to make this a compelling read. Highly recommended.

Freeman, a skilled and concise writer, does an exceptional job of telling the entire story-warts and all ....

Give Freeman points for diligent research [and] for his no-nonsense history of how the all-sports network evolved.

Michael Freeman has captured the essence of the freewheeling, 24-hour cable network that pioneered not just sports television, but the cable industry itself.

Michael Freeman provides the first book of critical analysis of the original and largest sports network.

Michael Freeman tells the story with the same urgency and breathlessness that ESPN brings to its coverage of sports.... a dazzling American success story ....

Network stoolies are buzzing about a...book on ESPN by New York Times sports writer Mike Freeman...sounds real juicy

The tale of ESPN's rise digs deeply...into behind-the-scenes shenanigans...

This story would make a terrific Outside the Lines. Yet ESPN's investigative series ... wouldn't touch the material ... with a 10-foot TelePrompTer.

This is a must-read for ESPN and sports fans alike.

About the Author

Michael Freeman is a sportswriter with The New York Times and has held several positions as a reporter at The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and The Dallas Morning News. He currently covers the National Football League. Freeman was named "Sports Journalist of the Year" in 2000 by The Village Voice. He lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.