ESPN - THE UNCENSORED HISTORY - Michael Freeman A history of the sports channel published in 2002 The BUCPOWER.COM review ESPN is now one of the most accepted acronyms in the world. Those four letters mean sports coverage from around the world and the much-respected and copied Sportscenter highlights programme. Although this book tells the story of the original idea for the cable show by a Conneticut businessman and how he quickly disappeared from the scene, it all too quickly turns into an attack on the supposed-sexist policies of the network. A few vindictive ex-employees have their say and the overall message of how successful Chris Berman, Dan Patrick and others have become is ignored. At least I was not alone in this opinion though - Nick Halling felt the same way. Other reviews New York Times sportswriter Freeman has delivered exactly what the title promises: an uncensored history of a media phenomenon of the cable TV era, ESPN. When ESPN was formed 20 years ago, television sports reporting was limited to snippets on local newscasts. ESPN changed that and, in so doing, also changed the way sports was covered, society's viewing habits, and sports itself. Freeman traces the history of the all-sports network from its inception as the brainchild of Bill Rasmussen to its status today as a part of the Disney media group, reaching over 60 million homes. This is really less a sports book than a warts-and-all examination of a media giant. Despite the obstacles placed in Freeman's path, the whole story is here--the struggles between management and its on-air personalities, the anchors' conflicts with one another, and the sexual harassment complaints, racial discrimination allegations, and employee drug and gambling problems that have long plagued the network. Freeman uses network documents, court records, and (often anonymous) interviews with past and current employees to make this a compelling read. Library Journal What you thought of it Add your comments on this book If you want to add a review for this book or any other book, please e-mail us at the contact address shown on the front page of BUCPOWER.COM.