Everyone knows ESPN as the cable TV channel for sports-related shows. Its publishing counterpart is called ESPN The Magazine, which is a bi-weekly sports magazine published by the ESPN sports network. While the ESPN channel first launched in 1979, the magazine’s first issue was published in March 1998.
The magazine covers the major and most popular sports in the United States. They include Major League Baseball, NBA, NHL, NFL, college football, and college basketball. What makes the magazine more attractive than other sports magazines is that it generally takes a light-hearted, sometimes even humorous approach to sports news, compared to other sports magazines like Sporting News or Sports Illustrated. If you’ve read a few copies of the magazine, you’ll notice that the issues generally cover players whose careers suffered due to off-field incidents and accidents.
The sections or departments of each issue of the magazine include:
The sports boy. This is the first section of the magazine, written by Bill Simmons, who tries to provide an alternative point of view on a particular sports topic.
Two Ways. As his name suggests, in this section, readers’ questions are entertained by Stuart Scott, who gives his own opinions in response to the question.
the business This part addresses a more serious issue. In this section, Peter Keating introduces the business side of sports. He also analyzes the effect of this business aspect in the world of sport.
The charge. This section references the previous issue of the magazine and features some reader comments as well as updates on previously featured stories.
Zoom. This is a large poster-style image considered to be the “image of the week”. It occupies two whole pages.
The jump. This contains a mix of various regular features, offering an entertaining, often humorous alternative take on current issues in the sports scene.
Outtakes. This contains transcripts of interviews conducted by Kenny Mayne with a popular sports star. The interview usually addresses non-sports topics surrounding the sports star’s life.
Reilly’s life. This is a section of columnist Rick Reilly who gives opinions on the world of sports, and reports on various current issues and interest in the world of sports.
These are just a few of the many things we look forward to in every issue of ESPN the Magazine. If you’re a sports fan, every issue is surely worth the wait. You can enjoy great savings when you get a subscription to ESPN the Magazine. For each number, you will get a good percentage off the kiosk price. You can get even better discounts if you subscribe through an online magazine website.