ESPN, Inc., cable television sports-broadcasting network based in Bristol, Connecticut. It was launched in 1979 and is one of the largest cable networks in the United States. It is currently owned by Disney.
ESPN was founded by Bill Rasmussen, his son Scott Rasmussen, then 43 year old eye doctor and Aetna insurance agent Ed Eagan. Bill, who had an affinity with sports for much of his life, was fired from his position as the communications manager for the New England Whalers in 1978. During his tenure with the hockey team, Rasmussen had met Eagan, who displayed an interest in building a career in television. Eagan approached Bill with the idea of creating a monthly cable television program covering Connecticut sports and was curious to see if the Whalers would be interested in being the main feature on the show. It was purchased by the Getty Oil Company before it began broadcasting in 1979, the year it began signing large advertising contracts. In 1984 it was sold to ABC, Inc., and three years later began broadcasting National Football League games on Sunday nights. Though a cable network, ESPN competed with the established networks in producing live sporting events.
