ESPN founder and sports entertainment visionary, Bill Rasmussen paid a visit to VCU's Center for Sport Leadership on Monday, October 5, 2009. Rasmussen spoke to a group of students, faculty, and athletic department staffers, and recounted his experience starting up the now multi-billion dollar media giant.
Often referred to as "the George Washington of ESPN," Rasmussen challenged the big three of the time (ABC, NBC, and CBS) with the notion that people would want to see 24-hour sports coverage. That dream became a reality on September 7th, 1979, a day that would forever change the sports world.
"Don't let the facts get in the way," Rasmussen imparted on the students as he recalled his struggles in starting the fledgling network.
He would eventually secure the rights to several NCAA championships, make Anheuser-Busch television's first million-dollar advertiser, and ultimately change the way sports were covered around the world.
Rasmussen took the time to meet with several students afterwards as he offered advice and internship opportunities with his latest undertaking, ColleFanz.com. College Fanz offers fans an opportunity to submit their own photos, videos, and articles on the teams that don't see as much air time on the media giant Rasmussen founded, focusing largely on DII, DIII, and NAIA schools.
Rasmussen officially departed from ESPN in 1984, and has since spent his time lecturing and developing new ideas to enhance the way sport is covered.
