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ESPN Co-Founder Bill Rasmussen Dies at Age 93
Just the facts
Bill Rasmussen co-founded the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, known as ESPN, in Bristol, Connecticut, in 1979 alongside his son Scott Rasmussen. The organization launched as the first 24-hour cable television network dedicated entirely to sports programming, fundamental in shaping modern sports broadcasting. Rasmussen served as the network's initial president, securing early distribution agreements and college sports broadcast rights that established its operational foundation. Before founding ESPN, Rasmussen worked as a radio broadcaster and as the communications director for the New England Whalers hockey team.
Why this is news
Family representatives confirmed the death of sports media executive Bill Rasmussen at the age of 93 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.