Give Freeman points for diligent research [and] for his no-nonsense history of how the all-sports network evolved.
Network stoolies are buzzing about a...book on ESPN by New York Times sports writer Mike Freeman...sounds real juicy
...powerful and entertaining.
Extensively researched, ESPN: The Uncensored History presents a fascinating, candid, revealing story in clear, unambiguous, and highly evocative language. A singularly memorable and compelling 'tell-all' book, ESPN: The Uncensored History is strongly recommended reading for all sports buffs.
This story would make a terrific Outside the Lines. Yet ESPN's investigative series ... wouldn't touch the material ... with a 10-foot TelePrompTer.
... give[s] the reader a real insight to the early days at ESPN.
This is a must-read for ESPN and sports fans alike.
Michael Freeman has captured the essence of the freewheeling, 24-hour cable network that pioneered not just sports television, but the cable industry itself.
... compelling subject matter for any sports fan.
The tale of ESPN's rise digs deeply...into behind-the-scenes shenanigans...
Michael Freeman provides the first book of critical analysis of the original and largest sports network.
...a fascinating new book...might make you watch ESPN in a whole new way.
Michael Freeman tells the story with the same urgency and breathlessness that ESPN brings to its coverage of sports.... a dazzling American success story ....
Freeman, a skilled and concise writer, does an exceptional job of telling the entire story—warts and all ....
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. Highly recommended for all libraries.--William Scheeren, Hempfield Area H.S. Lib., Greensburg, PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\
