ESPN, Inc. Profile ESPN Plaza 935 Middle St. Bristol, CT 06010 United States (Map) Phone: Fax
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This is a Company Profile Report, with ESPN, Inc. shown as a sample. These $69 reports are available
for mid-sized private companies, and include the company overview, officers and employees, executive
biographies, competitors, and industry information. Financials are not included in these reports.
ESPN, Inc. Profile
ESPN Plaza
935 Middle St.
Bristol, CT 06010 United States (Map)
Phone: 860.766.000
Fax: 860.766.213
http://espn.go.comTable of Contents
THE BASICS ..................................................................................................... 1
WELCOME
Key Information ......................................................................................... 1 Hoover's is the business information
Key Numbers ............................................................................................. 1 resource that delivers a unique
OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................... 2 combination of up-to-date data,
INDUSTRY INFORMATION ........................................................................... 3 broad coverage, and comprehensive
information about companies,
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ...................................................................... 4 decision makers, and industries -
along with powerful tools to put this
Corporate Officers ................................................................................... 4
information to work for your business.
Board .......................................................................................................... 5
Hoover's offers everything you need
BIOGRAPHIES ................................................................................................ 6
to successfully:
Christine Driessen ................................................................................... 6
Chuck Pagano ........................................................................................... 6 * Identify and evaluate potential
George W. Bodenheimer ......................................................................... 6 sales leads, markets, and business
Ed Durso .................................................................................................... 8 partners
John Skipper ............................................................................................ 8
Sean H. R. Bratches ................................................................................ 8 * Deepen relationships with current
Norby Williamson .................................................................................... 10 customers
David Berson ........................................................................................... 10
* Assess competitive risks and
John Wildhack .......................................................................................... 11
eliminate threats
Russell Wolff ............................................................................................. 11
John Walsh ................................................................................................ 11 * Build presentation-ready reports
David Preschlack .................................................................................... 12 and customized lists of companies,
Eric Johnson ............................................................................................ 13 industries, and decision makers
Paul Cushing ............................................................................................ 13
Barry Blyn ................................................................................................ 13
Ben Pyne .................................................................................................. 14 Unlike other business information
Ed Erhardt ................................................................................................ 14 providers, only Hoover's has a
James (Jim) Kaufman ........................................................................... 14 full-time, in-house editorial and
COMPETITORS .............................................................................................. 15 research team dedicated wholly
to investigating, pinpointing,
Top Competitors ..................................................................................... 15
authenticating, and analyzing data
All Competitors ....................................................................................... 15
to provide the most comprehensive,
PRODUCTS AND OPERATIONS ................................................................. 16
up-to-date information available on
COMPANY FINANCIALS .............................................................................. 17 companies, industries, and executives.
Financial Overview ................................................................................. 17
Historical Financials ............................................................................... 17
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON HOOVERS ONLINE .................... 18
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | iThe Basics
ESPN Plaza
935 Middle St.
Bristol, CT 06010 United States (Map)
Phone: 860.766.000
Fax: 860.766.213
http://espn.go.com
ESPN is a superstar of the sports broadcasting world. The company is the leading cable sports broadcaster, reaching
more than 97 million US homes with its stable of channels, including ESPN, ESPN2 (sporting events, news, and original
programming), and ESPN Classic (historical sports footage). It also creates original programming for TV and radio
and lends content for ESPN.com (operated by Disney Online), one of the most popular sports sites on the Internet. Its
international operations extend the ESPN brand to another 190 countries. ESPN is 80% owned by Walt Disney (through
ABC); Hearst has a 20% stake.
KEY INFORMATION
DUNS Number 092077171
Doing Business As Espn
Company Type Joint Venture
Location Type Headquarters
Year of Founding or Change In Control 1985
State of Incorporation DE
KEY NUMBERS
Fiscal Year-End September
Sales (mil.) $4,031.0
1-Year Sales Growth 25.1%
Employees At This Location 400
KEY PEOPLE
George W. Bodenheimer President, ESPN, Inc and ABC Sports; Co-Chairman, Disney
Media Networks; Chairman, ESPN, Inc
Christine Driessen EVP and CFO
Chuck Pagano EVP and CTO
Steve Anderson EVP News, Talent, and Content Operations
David Berson EVP Program Planning and Development
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 1Overview
ESPN is a superstar of the sports broadcasting world. The company is the leading cable sports broadcaster, reaching
more than 97 million US homes with its stable of channels, including ESPN, ESPN2 (sporting events, news, and original
programming), and ESPN Classic (historical sports footage). It also creates original programming for TV and radio
and lends content for ESPN.com (operated by Disney Online), one of the most popular sports sites on the Internet. Its
international operations extend the ESPN brand to another 190 countries. ESPN is 80% owned by Walt Disney (through
ABC); Hearst has a 20% stake.
The network has become more than just a leading sports outlet on TV: ESPN's popularity is so vast it is a force
to be reckoned with in popular culture, spurring catch phrases ("Boo-yah!") and launching athletes into celebrity
status. Through ESPN Original Entertainment, the broadcaster has pushed into original programming with talk shows
(Pardon the Interruption), series television, and specials.
To reach that stage, ESPN has worked tirelessly to extend its power and influence throughout sports and entertainment.
It holds broadcasting contracts with Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National
Football League, as well as NASCAR and college sports conferences. In addition to the big ticket sports, ESPN has been
increasing its coverage of minor sports leagues including Major League Lacrosse and Major League Soccer. In 2006 it
acquired an equity stake in the Arena Football League and extended its AFL broadcasting contract for five more years.
ESPN took over Monday Night Football from sister company ABC in 2006. ABC lost about $150 million a year
on the venerable program, and the network decided it would fare better on cable. ESPN agreed to pay the NFL $1.1 billion
a year (for eight years) for the broadcasting rights. ABC also turned over its sports programming arm (ABC Sports) to
ESPN, which now airs games on ABC under the ESPN banner.
For those curious about the roots of the company's name: the network's original name was the Entertainment and
Sports Programming Network when it was formed in 1979. The network adopted the new name -- ESPN, Inc. -- in 1985.
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 2Industry Information
Hoover's Industries
⋅ Media
⋅ Internet Content Providers
⋅ Television
⋅ Television Cable, Pay & Broadcast Networks (primary)
⋅ Radio Broadcasting & Programming
Primary SIC Code
4841: Cable and other pay TV services
Primary NAICS Code
515210: Cable and Other Subscription Programming
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 3Officers and Employees
CORPORATE OFFICERS
Title Name Age Salary Bonus
President, ESPN, Inc and ABC Sports; Co-Chairman, Mr. George W. 49 - -
Disney Media Networks; Chairman, ESPN, Inc Bodenheimer
EVP and CFO Ms. Christine Driessen - - -
EVP and CTO Mr. Chuck Pagano - - -
EVP News, Talent, and Content Operations Mr. Steve Anderson - - -
EVP Program Planning and Development Mr. David Berson - - -
EVP Sales and Marketing Mr. Sean H. R. Bratches - - -
EVP Administration Mr. Ed Durso - - -
EVP Multimedia Sales, ESPN Customer Marketing and Mr. Eric Johnson - - -
Sales
EVP, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate US Sales and Mr. David Preschlack - - -
Marketing
EVP Multimedia Sales Mr. David Rotem - - -
EVP Content Mr. John Skipper - - -
EVP and Executive Editor Mr. John Walsh - - -
EVP Programming and Acquisitions Mr. John Wildhack - - -
EVP Production Mr. Norby Williamson - - -
EVP and Managing Director, ESPN International Mr. Russell Wolff - - -
SVP New Program Development Mr. James Brown - - -
SVP Research and Sales Development Mr. Artie Bulgrin - - -
SVP International Programming and Marketing Mr. Tim Bunnell - - -
SVP Content Development and Enterprises Mr. Keith T. Clinkscales - - -
SVP Management Information Technology Mr. Paul Cushing - - -
SVP and General Manager, ESPN Radio Mo Davenport - - -
SVP Business Affairs and Business Development Ms. Marie Donoghue - - -
SVP Communications Counsel and Corporate Outreach Ms. Rosa Gatti - - -
SVP and Managing Editor, Studio Production Mr. Mark Gross - - -
SVP ESPN Mobile Mr. Manish Jha - - -
SVP ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes Mr. Traug Keller - - -
SVP and General Manager, Digital Media Mr. John Kosner - - -
SVP Marketing Ms. Katie Lacey - - -
SVP Communications Mr. Chris LaPlaca - - -
SVP College Sports Programming Mr. Burke Magnus - - -
SVP International Production, ESPN Classic and Ms. Jodi Markley - - -
ESPNews
SVP Broadband and Interactive Sales Mr. Matt Murphy - - -
SVP and General Counsel Mr. David Pahl - - -
SVP and Editorial Director, ESPN New Media Mr. John Papanek - - -
SVP ESPN Consumer Products Mr. Geoff Reiss - - -
SVP Human Resources Mr. Paul Richardson - - -
SVP ESPN Original Entertainment Mr. Ron Semiao - - -
SVP Human Resources Mr. Daryl Smith - - -
SVP and Controller Mr. Tony Waggoner - - -
SVP Digital Media Production Mr. John Zehr - - -
VP Magazine Sales Mr. Steven Binder - - -
VP Consumer Insights Mr. Barry Blyn - - -
VP and General Manager, ESPNU Ms. Rosalyn Durant - - -
VP Special Events Marketing Ms. Lynn Kadri - - -
VP Special Events Marketing Mr. Peter Rosenberger - - -
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 4Title Name Age Salary Bonus
VP Programming and Acquisitions Ms. Julie Sobieski - - -
Editor-in-Chief, ESPN The Magazine Mr. Gary Belsky - - -
President, ESPN/ABC Sports Customer Marketing and Mr. Ed Erhardt - - -
Sales
CEO, SchoolSports Inc. Mr. James (Jim) Kaufman - - -
Editor in Chief, ESPN.com Mr. Rob King - - -
President, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Mr. Ben Pyne - - -
Marketing
General Manager and Editorial Director, ESPN Publishing Mr. Gary Hoenig - - -
Director Communications Crystal Howard - - -
Regional General Manager, ESPN Radio Mr. Tim McCarthy - - -
Regional General Manager, ESPN Radio Mr. Jim Pastor - - -
VP ESPN360.com Mr. Damon Phillips - - -
BOARD MEMBERS
Title Name Age
President, ESPN, Inc and ABC Sports; Mr. George W. Bodenheimer 49
Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks;
Chairman, ESPN, Inc
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 5Biographies
BIOGRAPHIES
Christine Driessen
Title: EVP and CFO
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
Fordham University Trustee - -
Biography
Driessen oversees all global financial operations, advising on strategic planning for domestic and global acquisitions,
new business ventures and programming initiatives. She also plays a key role in the company's broadband Internet
strategy and programming rights agreements.
Source: Other: Publication, November 12, 2007
Chuck Pagano
Title held since 2007: EVP and CTO
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2005 - 2007: EVP Technology
⋅ 2005: SVP Technology, Engineering, and Operations
Biography
Previously Senior Vice President, Technology, Engineering and Operations, Pagano will have responsibility for all
technology sectors within ESPN, ensuring ESPN's cutting-edge position in the efficient utilization and development of
technology across its properties. Pagano, who joined ESPN prior to its debut on September 7, 1979, was a key driver in
the creation of ESPN's Digital Center, one of the most technically sophisticated television production facilities in the
world.
Source: Company Press Release, October 7, 2005
George W. Bodenheimer, Age 49
Title held since 2007: President, ESPN, Inc and ABC Sports; Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks; Chairman, ESPN, Inc
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC, Inc. Co-Chairman, Disney Media - -
Networks; President, ESPN
and ABC Sports
The Walt Disney Company Co-Chairman Disney Media - -
Networks; Chairman and
President, ESPN; President,
ABC Sports
ABC Sports, Inc. President - -
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 6Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC, Inc. President, ABC Sports; - -
Chairman and President,
ESPN
The Walt Disney Company President, ESPN and ABC - -
Sports
ABC, Inc. President, ABC Sports and - -
ESPN
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2007: Chairman and President; President, ABC Sports
Biography
An ESPN and cable industry pioneer, George Bodenheimer was appointed president of ABC Sports in March 2003,
overseeing all the multimedia sports assets of The Walt Disney Company. He is also president of ESPN, Inc., a
position he has held since November 1998. Mr. Bodenheimer's path to leadership mirrors that of ESPN itself, with
a sharp focus on creativity, innovation, emphasis on enhancing value for ESPN fans and business partners, and a
commitment to teamwork. As president of ABC Sports, Mr. Bodenheimer oversees the most comprehensive sports
programming schedule in broadcast television, which includes "Monday Night Football," the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup,
the BCS Championship, World Cup Soccer, British Open, Little League World Series, U.S. and World Figure Skating
Championships, the IRL featuring the Indy 500 and the PGA TOUR, among other events. For ESPN, Inc., he leads one
of the world's premier brands with more than 40 business entities, including six domestic (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic,
ESPNEWS, ESPN Today and ESPN Now) and 25 international television networks; ESPN HD, a simulcast service of ESPN
in high-definition; ESPN Regional Television; ESPN Pay-Per-View, ESPN.com, ESPN Radio, ESPN The Magazine and books,
SportsTicker, the ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants); ESPN Deportes, a 24-hour, Spanish-language network to
be launched; and other new businesses including ESPN Broadband, ESPN Wireless, ESPN Video-on-Demand and ESPN
Interactive. Mr. Bodenheimer, who joined ESPN in January 1981, was appointed executive vice president, sales and
marketing, in 1996. Since his appointment as president of ESPN, Inc., in 1998, he has guided the company to industry-
leading innovations in integrated sales and marketing, original programming, acquisitions and new technologies.
He drove the establishment of the ESPN ABC Sports Customer Marketing and Sales division, marketing packages
across an unparalleled collection of multimedia sports assets; set the strategy to negotiate a multi-media, multi-year
agreement between ESPN, ABC Sports, The Walt Disney Company and the NBA -- making ESPN the first television
network in history to own rights for all four major professional sports at the same time; acquired the businesses
and assets of BASS, the world's largest fishing organization, which led to the creation of ESPN Outdoors; led the
programming department in long-term multimedia agreements with the NCAA -- including every game of the Women's
Basketball Tournament beginning in 2003 -- the PGA Tour, Wimbledon and World Cup and MLS Soccer; initiated the
development of ESPN Deportes, a Spanish-language programming block; oversaw the launch of nine new international
networks, including ESPN Classic Sport in France and Italy, localized "SportsCenters" in Asia, Brazil, Canada, India, Latin
America and Taiwan, and Global X Games events; and launched a variety of efforts focusing on interactive television,
broadband technology and wireless products, including a high-definition ESPN simulcast service, among many other
accomplishments. Mr. Bodenheimer was named the 2001 Sports Industrialist of the Year, the highest honor given by
the Sports Business Daily, recognizing his "vision in developing new techniques and innovations to stimulate corporate
growth." In 2002 The Sporting News selected him fourth on its Power 100, a list of the most powerful people in sports.
Prior to becoming president of ESPN, Mr. Bodenheimer held several executive positions in ESPN's Affiliate Sales
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 7and Marketing area throughout the 1980s, working in the company's Bristol, New York, Chicago, Denver and Dallas
offices: He joined the Affiliate Marketing staff as of ESPN's South Central region in 1982, was promoted to national
accounts manager of the Rocky Mountain region in 1985, and to director, Affiliate Sales, Eastern division in 1988. He
was named vice president, Affiliate Sales, Eastern division in 1989, and vice president, National Affiliate Sales in 1991.
He became vice president, Affiliate Sales and Marketing in November 1992, and senior vice president in October 1993.
Mr. Bodenheimber was named senior vice president, Sales and Marketing in May 1995, and executive vice president
in September 1996. Mr. Bodenheimer graduated from Denison University in 1980 with a bachelor of arts degree in
economics. He is based in New York but also works from ESPN's Bristol, Conn. headquarters. He is married with three
children.
Source: Other: Publication, 2006
Ed Durso
Title: EVP Administration
Biography
Ed Durso, Executive Vice President, Administration, will continue to oversee legal and government affairs,
communications, facilities, human resources and security. Durso joined ESPN in 1989.
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
John Skipper
Title held since 2005: EVP Content
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC Sports, Inc. EVP Content - -
Disney Online SVP and General Manager, - -
ESPN Internet Group
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2004 - 2005: EVP Advertising Sales, New Media, and Consumer Products
⋅ 2004: EVP espn.com and ESPN The Magazine
Biography
Previously Executive Vice President, Advertising Sales and ESPN Enterprises, Skipper will now oversee content in
all its forms for all ESPN and ABC Sports television, radio, Internet, publishing, wireless, broadband and Enterprises
operations. Skipper joined ESPN in June 1997 after several years in the publishing business, including the Disney
Publishing Group, which he joined in 1990. He oversaw one of the most successful magazine launches, ESPN The
Magazine, in March 1998. He later added ESPN.com, consumer products and Mobile ESPN.
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
Sean H. R. Bratches
Title held since 2005: EVP Sales and Marketing
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 8Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
Disney ABC Cable Networks Group President, Disney and ESPN - -
Networks Affiliate Sales and
Marketing
ABC, Inc. President, Disney and ESPN - -
Networks Affiliate Sales and
Marketing
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2004 - 2005: President, Disney and ESPN Affiliate Sales and Marketing
⋅ 2004: EVP Affiliate Sales and Marketing
Biography
Sean Bratches was promoted to executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, ESPN in October 2005. Formerly
president, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing, he oversees all affiliate and advertising sales,
research, marketing and special events. This brings into one division ESPN's two primary revenue streams, affiliate
and advertising sales, supported by marketing, research and client support services. In his role, Bratches oversees all
affiliate distribution, licensing, marketing and local advertising sales for the domestic cable and satellite networks of
The Walt Disney Company -- ABC Family, Disney Channel, SOAPnet, Toon Disney, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS,
ESPN Deportes and ESPN HD. He also is responsible for the domestic distribution of related HDTV, broadband, video-on-
demand, subscription video-on-demand, interactive television, pay-per-view, Spanish-language and sports syndication
products. In addition, Bratches oversees ESPN's research department, which serves as a vital link between the
company's strategic planning of new products and services and constantly shifting marketplace dynamics, as well as the
company's special event marketing department. Bratches also serves on the ESPN Board of Directors. Based in ESPN
offices in both New York and Bristol, Connecticut, he reports directly to George Bodenheimer, co-chair, Disney Media
Networks, The Walt Disney Company, and president, ESPN and ABC Sports, and to Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media
Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television. Under Bratches' leadership, ESPN has become the industry leader in
creating affiliate value by strategically leveraging its core brand, while creatively integrating a number of high-profile
brand extensions, among them ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN Outdoors/B.A.S.S., ESPN-owned
events and the ESPN Zone, ESPN's sports-themed dining and entertainment complexes. Through his leadership ESPN's
newer, emerging networks have achieved record-setting growth. ESPN2 became the fastest cable network in history
to reach 80 million homes -- and is now available in over 89 million homes. ESPN Classic now reaches more than 58
million homes, compared to its 6.5 million homes when purchased by ESPN in 1997. ESPNEWS topped the 33 million
home mark in 2002, its fifth year of existence - and is now available in over 45 million homes. Additionally, ESPN HD
secured over 85% of multichannel video households under contract within its first year of launch. Bratches joined ESPN
in October 1988 as an account executive and, within a year, was promoted to senior account executive. In December
1992, he was named director, Northeast Region, before being promoted to vice president, Eastern Division in January
1995. He was promoted to senior vice president, Affiliate Sales and Marketing in December 1998, then promoted to
executive vice president, ESPN Affiliate Sales and Marketing in 2001 and, most recently, served as president, Disney and
ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing, since 2004. Prior to joining ESPN, Bratches was a regional sales manager
for Storer Television Sales, Inc., where he was responsible for selling national spot advertising for the company's seven
owned and operated television stations across the country. He is a member of the CTAM Board of Directors and sits
on its Executive Committee. He served as co-chair for the 2001 CTAM Broadband Conference, and the organization's
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 9pre-Western Show panel in 2000. Bratches also serves on the WICT Strategic Advisory Committee and the Board
of Directors for the T. Howard Foundation. Bratches received a 2001 Vanguard Award for Young Leadership, the
cable industry's most prestigious award, presented by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. He was
recognized in 2004 (#15) by CableFAX Magazine in its annual CableFAX 100 that profiles "Cable's 100 Heavy Hitters,"
and has been named each year since 1999. Bratches graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1984 with
a bachelor of arts degree in business administration.
Source: Other: Publication, 2006
Norby Williamson
Title held since 2007: EVP Production
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC Sports, Inc. EVP Studio and Remote - -
Production
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2005 - 2007: EVP Studio and Remote Production
⋅ 2005: SVP and Managing Editor, SportsCenter
Biography
Norby Williamson, previously Senior Vice President and Managing Editor, who has been promoted to Executive Vice
President, Studio and Remote Production overseeing all game, event, and studio production work for ESPN and ABC
Sports domestic television and radio networks (joined ESPN in 1985).
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
David Berson
Title held since 2007: EVP Program Planning and Development
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC Sports, Inc. SVP Program Planning and - -
Development
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2005 - 2007: SVP Program Planning and Development
⋅ 2005: SVP Programming and Acquisitions
Biography
David Berson, who has been promoted to the other top programming post as Senior Vice President, Program Planning
and Development for ESPN and ABC Sports (joined ESPN in 1994).
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 10John Wildhack
Title held since 2007: EVP Programming and Acquisitions
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC Sports, Inc. SVP Programming - -
Acquisitions and Strategy
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2005 - 2007: SVP Programming Acquisitions and Strategy
Biography
John Wildhack, who has been promoted to one of two top programming positions in the company as Senior Vice
President, Programming Acquisitions and Strategy, overseeing all rights negotiations and league relationships for all
ESPN domestic television networks and ABC Sports (joined ESPN in 1980).
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
Russell Wolff
Title held since 2004: EVP and Managing Director, ESPN International
Recent Work Highlights
⋅ 2004: SVP and Managing Director, ESPN International
Biography
Russell Wolff will continue in his current role of Executive Vice President and Managing Director, ESPN International.
Wolff, along with the support of Driessen, has led initiatives around the world increasing the financial success of ESPN's
international operations. Wolff, who joined ESPN in 1997 managing ESPN's business interests in the Pacific Rim, is
responsible for all of ESPN's international business initiatives across television, radio, publishing, wireless, broadband,
and ESPN Enterprises operations.
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
John Walsh
Title: EVP and Executive Editor
Biography
John A. Walsh serves as executive vice president and executive editor of both ESPN, Inc. and of the ESPN Internet
Group.
He has been executive editor of ESPN since December 1990, overseeing all studio and informational programming, and
being involved in the creative development of a variety of projects including The ESPYs. He has overseen the launch of
ESPN The Magazine and ESPN Radio, and was instrumental in developing the news and information elements of ESPN2.
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 11On January 19, 2000 he added to his responsibilities all creative development and editorial direction for ESPN.com,
NFL.com, ABCSports.com and Soccernet. Walsh reports jointly to George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN, Inc. and Dick
Glover, executive vice president, Internet media, ABC, Inc.
Walsh served as the managing editor for ESPN from January 1988 to December 1990, and was responsible for the
editorial content of all informational programming, including SportsCenter, ESPN's flagship sports news program.
The founding editor of the original Inside Sports magazine (1979-82), Walsh also served as managing editor of U.S.
News and World Report (1985-86) and Rolling Stone (1973-74). He held a number of editorial positions at Newsday
(1970-73), including sports editor; worked as sports editor of the Columbia Missourian (1967-70), and was an editor at
the Washington Post style section (1977-78). He has been the editor of three sports books, including "The Heisman: A
Symbol of Excellence," published in 1984. In addition, he has served as a consultant for several publications, including
Esquire magazine (1982-83), Vanity Fair magazine (1983-84), the New York Times Sunday sports "Part Two" magazine
(1985) and Special Report magazines published by Whittle Communications.
Walsh had been a consultant to ESPN from July 1987 to January 1988. His television experience includes consultancies
to CBS Sports' NFL Today program (1986-87 season) and with TVTV on a PBS documentary on the 1976 Super Bowl.
Under Walsh, ESPN's news and information programming has won 25 CableACE Awards and 28 Sports Emmy Awards,
including eight for the network's Outside the Lines series which examines sports issues off the playing field.
Walsh earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Scranton in 1966 and received a master's
degree in journalism from the University of Missouri in 1968. In 1991, he received the Frank J. O'Hara Award from the
University of Scranton's National Alumni Association, recognizing his "sustained achievement in the communications
field."
A native of Scranton, Pa., Walsh was born January 13, 1945, and is married with two children.
Source: Company Web Site
David Preschlack
Title: EVP, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate US Sales and Marketing
Biography
Since January 2006, David Preschlack has served as Senior Vice President, Disney & ESPN Affiliate Sales and Marketing,
overseeing field sales, national accounts, business strategy, affiliate ad sales and affiliate marketing for all Disney and
ESPN products and services in the U.S. He was formerly Senior Vice President, National Accounts, with responsibility
for all domestic distribution and licensing efforts for The Walt Disney Company's assets within the Media Networks
Group. Mr. Preschlack joined ESPN as a Videotape Librarian in July 1995 and began working for the Affiliate Sales and
Marketing department in 1996 as a Sales Coordinator. He was promoted to Associate Account Executive, Affiliate Sales
and Marketing, Northeast Region (1997), Account Executive, Northeast Region (1997-1999), Senior Account Executive,
Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Northeast Region (1999-2000), Director, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Northeast Region
(2000-02), and Vice President, National Accounts, Affiliate Sales and Marketing (2002-04). Mr. Preschlack graduated
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 12from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1995. He currently resides in Southport, CT with
his wife and three young children.
Source: Other: Publication, 2008
Eric Johnson
Title held since 2007: EVP Multimedia Sales, ESPN Customer Marketing and Sales
Biography
Johnson had been senior vice president, multimedia sales since April 2006, overseeing the Burbank, Calif. office, which
is responsible for national advertising sales for West coast-based clients and agencies, which include all ESPN networks
as well as ESPN Radio, ESPNZones, ESPN Outdoors and ESPN International.
Johnson joined ESPN in 1999 as an Account Executive and was directly responsible for West Coast account television
sales.
Prior to joining ESPN, Johnson was a media director at Grey Advertising and an account executive for TIME Magazine in
Los Angeles.
Johnson was graduated from the University of California in 1991 and received a bachelor of arts degree in economics.
Source: Company Press Release, October 1, 2007
Paul Cushing
Title held since 2005: SVP Management Information Technology
Biography
Paul Cushing, who will be promoted to Senior Vice President, Management Information Technology (MIT), overseeing
all of ESPN's corporate systems infrastructure, software project management and telecommunications (joined ESPN in
1994).
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
Barry Blyn
Title held since 2008: VP Consumer Insights
Biography
Blyn joins ESPN from Sterling Brands where he was senior vice president, strategy, leading brand positioning projects
for companies including MTV, A&E, History Channel and Entertainment Weekly. Prior to that, Blyn worked for nine years
at Comedy Central where he rose to vice president, programming research. Blyn began his career in research at Peter
Hart Associates where he directed numerous consumer and political studies. Blyn was graduated from the University of
Michigan with a bachelor of arts degree in 1992 and earned a masters in business from NYU in 2002.
Source: Company Press Release, February 12, 2008
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 13Ben Pyne
Title held since 2005: President, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing
Biography
Ben Pyne, who will be promoted to President, Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing, overseeing the
affiliate sales and marketing related efforts associated with all Disney and ESPN Media Networks (joined The Walt Disney
Company in 1992).
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
Ed Erhardt
Title: President, ESPN/ABC Sports Customer Marketing and Sales
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
ABC Sports, Inc. President, ESPN/ABC Sports - -
Customer Marketing and
Sales
Biography
Ed Erhardt, who will continue as President of ESPN ABC Sports Customer Marketing and Sales, overseeing all
advertising sales and related efforts for all integrated media of ESPN and ABC Sports (joined ESPN in 1999).
Source: Company Press Release, October 6, 2005
James (Jim) Kaufman
Title held since 2007: CEO, SchoolSports Inc.
Other Company Affiliations
Company Title Salary Bonus
SchoolSports, Inc. CEO - -
Biography
James Kaufman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of SchoolSports and also serves on the Board Directors.
Mr. Kaufman joined SchoolSports in 1999 as Chief Development Officer overseeing business development and sales. Mr.
Kaufman previously served as Vice President of Business Development for Loews Cineplex where he helped build and
oversee the development and growth of its newly created International Division. Prior to that, Mr. Kaufman served in
various strategic planning and business development capacities with ESPN and Fox, Inc. Mr. Kaufman is a 1992 graduate
of Williams College. In 1996, Mr. Kaufman received his MBA with Beta Gamma Sigma honors from the JL Kellogg
Graduate School of Management.
Source: Other: Publication
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 14Competitors
TOP COMPETITORS
⋅ CBS
⋅ Fox Entertainment
⋅ NBC
ALL COMPETITORS
⋅ CBS
⋅ Comcast SportsNet
⋅ Fox Entertainment
⋅ Madison Square Garden
⋅ NBC
⋅ NESN
⋅ Turner Broadcasting
⋅ VERSUS
⋅ YES Network
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 15Products and Operations
Selected Operations
⋅ ESPN (sporting events and news channel)
⋅ ESPN Classic (archival sports footage channel)
⋅ ESPN Deportes (Spanish-language sports network)
⋅ ESPN Enterprises (new business venture development)
⋅ ESPN HD (high-definition channel)
⋅ ESPN International
⋅ ESPN On Demand (video on demand programming)
⋅ ESPN Original Programming (original content for cable channels)
⋅ ESPN Radio
⋅ ESPN The Magazine (print magazine)
⋅ ESPN2 (sporting events and news channel)
⋅ ESPN2HD (high-definition channel)
⋅ ESPNEWS (24-hour sports news channel)
⋅ ESPNU (college sports)
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 16Company Financials
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Company Type Joint Venture
Location Type Headquarters
Fiscal Year-End September
2005 Sales (mil.) $4,031.0
1-Year Sales Growth 25.1%
HISTORICAL FINANCIALS
Income Statement
Year Revenue ($ mil.) Net Income ($ mil.) Net Profit Margin ($ Employees
mil.)
Sep 2005 4,031.00 -- -- 1,250
Sep 2004 3,223.00 -- -- 1,250
Sep 2003 2,869.00 -- -- 3,400
Sep 2002 2,120.00 -- -- 1,250
Sep 2001 2,500.00 -- -- 1,250
Sep 2000 2,600.00 -- -- 2,500
2005 Year-End Financials
Debt Ratio 0.0%
Return on Equity --
Cash ($ mil) --
Current Ratio --
Long-Term Debt ($ mil.) --
Shares Outstanding (mil.) 0.0
Dividend Yield --
Dividend Payout --
Market Cap ($ mil.) --
call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 17Other Resources Available on Hoovers Online
Map of Headquarters
Industry Watch
News and Press Releases for ESPN (last 90 days)
Financial Data Definitions
Market Data Definitions
Comparison Data Definitions
Historical Financials & Employees Defnitions
The Rich Register
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call: 1-866-541-3770 | visit: www.hoovers.com July 2008 | 18You can also read
