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ESPN's Origin Story Unveiled in New Documentary Premiere

4/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bill Rasmussen lost his job with the New England Whalers in 1978 and launched ESPN on September 7, 1979.
Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN, directed by Greg DeHart and produced by Tenero Productions, chronicles this journey.
It includes interviews with Rasmussen, his son Scott, and figures Chris Berman and Bob Ley.
The documentary premieres on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be available on ESPN and ESPN App.

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Story summary

Bill Rasmussen lost his job with the New England Whalers in 1978 and launched ESPN on September 7, 1979.
Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN, directed by Greg DeHart and produced by Tenero Productions, chronicles this journey.
It includes interviews with Rasmussen, his son Scott, and figures Chris Berman and Bob Ley.
The documentary premieres on Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be available on ESPN and ESPN App.