Bill Rasmussen founded ESPN in the summer of 1978. He had his innovative brainstorm for an all-sports cable TV network within days of being fired by the former NHL team, the New England Whalers.
A former radio and television broadcaster, Rasmussen had been the Communications Director for the Whalers, but when they didn’t make the 1978 WHA playoffs, Rasmussen and others on staff were fired.
His idea for an all-sports cable TV network dominated his every waking thought and he incorporated the fledgling network on July 14, 1978. With an idea that was truly ahead of its time, and running out of cash, Rasmussen found one investor who believed in the concept in February, 1979. In only 9 months from Rasmussen’s moment of inspiration, all of the elements required for success were in place.
For the next five months, work progressed at a frantic pace and on September 7, 1979, ESPN went on the air for the first time. A life-long entrepreneur and sports fan, Rasmussen’s innovations in advertising, sports and broadcasting are numerous and include not only the creation of ESPN, but also the concept for “Sports Center,” wall-to-wall coverage of the NCAA regular-season, “March Madness” college basketball, and coverage of the College World Series. He broke the advertising barrier to cable television by signing Anheuser Busch to the largest cable TV advertising contract ever.
Rasmussen’s entrepreneurial daring, his irrepressible enthusiasm and a dash of good luck gave the world it's first 24-hour television network. Once unleashed upon sports fans, ESPN has forever changed the way we watch television. Rasmussen tells the story of the birth of ESPN in his book, Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN.
Bill Rasmussen is available through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Bill Rasmussen is also available for corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Bill Rasmussen for your event.
