ESPN: The Worldwide Leader in Sports at 41

ESPN: A History of Innovation

ESPN was founded in 1979 as a 24-hour cable sports channel. It was the first channel to broadcast a live NFL game and was quickly followed by other sports leagues. ESPN has been a pioneer in the use of new technology, including high-definition and 3D broadcasting.

ESPN Today

ESPN is now the largest sports media company in the world, with over 80 million subscribers in the United States. It operates a number of cable and satellite channels, as well as a website and mobile app. ESPN also produces content for other platforms, such as radio, print, and online streaming.

ESPN's Success

ESPN's success is due to a number of factors, including:

• Its wide reach: ESPN is available in over 200 countries and territories.
• Its high-quality content: ESPN produces some of the best sports programming in the world.
• Its strong brand: ESPN is a trusted and respected brand.

ESPN's Future

ESPN is well-positioned for continued success in the future. The company is investing in new technologies, such as augmented reality and virtual reality. ESPN is also expanding its international reach.

Key Quotes

• "ESPN is the worldwide leader in sports because it offers the most comprehensive coverage of sports news, events, and analysis." - John Skipper, ESPN President
• "ESPN's commitment to innovation has made it the most successful sports media company in the world." - Bob Iger, The Walt Disney Company CEO

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't underestimate the power of traditional media. ESPN still reaches a large audience through its cable and satellite channels.
• Don't overextend yourself. ESPN has a wide range of businesses, but it needs to focus on its core competencies.
• Don't ignore the competition. ESPN is facing increasing competition from other sports media companies.

Tables

| ESPN Revenue (in billions) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $7.2 |
| 2017 | $7.5 |
| 2018 | $7.8 |
| 2019 | $8.1 |

| ESPN Subscribers (in millions) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 84 |
| 2019 | 85 |

| ESPN Employees |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5,000 |
| 2017 | 5,200 |
| 2018 | 5,400 |
| 2019 | 5,600 |

| ESPN International Subscribers (in millions) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 20 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 26 |