Bill Rasmussen, founder of ESPN, dies at 93
ESPN.COM
RIP
SUMMARY

Bill Rasmussen, who launched ESPN in 1979 as the world's first 24-hour sports network, died Tuesday at his Florida home from Parkinson's disease. He was 93.

Few believed a round-the-clock cable sports channel could work. Rasmussen, just fired as communications director of the New England Whalers, maxed out his credit card and used a $9,000 advance to secure satellite space, then pitched leagues, cable operators and investors door to door. He and son Scott co-founded the network, which launched Sept. 7, 1979, with Rasmussen as first president and CEO.

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