ESPN

ESPN has been the catalyst for so many factors that have contributed to the sports industry through technology and cable over time.  No longer do you have to be at the event or wait to read about it in the paper, ESPN paved the way for sports to be delivered how and when they get their sports coverage through a variety of different mediums.  The growing popularity of the network in the 70's and 80's has certainly contributed tp the sports industry platform that is here today.  Currently ESPN well over 94 million viewers a week, and they network is a clear contender by creating shows and programming in radio, print, cable networks, broadband, wireless and on demand.  There is a medium for every sports fan and for every sport.  Their mission is to "Serve sports fans where ever sports are watched, listened to, discussed, debated, read about or played."  In addition to all that ESPN has already made available the website also allows fans to live stream games, and follow its social media sites.  There are more than 10 million monthly site visitors that utilize the site making it clear first option when researching stats, fantasy teams, and so much more.  Without the ESPN organization and its constant technological changes, I don't believe the sports industry would be doing as well as it has over the past 20 years.  They have set the bar high for sports communications and other companies such as NBA and ABC are being forced to compete using similar business models.