SOLUTIONS TO LAST WEEK’S 2-SPEED CROSSWORD:

EsPn: THe Uncensored HisTory

Across: 7 General dealer; 8 Stagnate; 9 Nose; 10 Sweeps; 12 Endear; 14 Advent; 16 Tocsin; 18 Spot; 20 All clear; 22 Engaged couple. Down: 1 Bestowed; 2 League; 3 Gala; 4 Adherent; 5 Earned; 6 News; 11 Satiated; 13 Amicable; 15 Entrap; 17 Call up; 19 Pony; 21 Lock.

In this age of unfettered broadcasting of live sports of every kind - via terrestrial free-to-air channels, subscription satellite channels and, now, internet streaming services, it might be timely to go back to a different time, though we dare not say simpler.

ESPN: The Uncensored History traces the first 24-hour sports network from its inception through its evolution into a slick media outlet reaching more than 60 million homes via more than 26,000 cable providers.

And though Michael Freeman’s book is now just over 20 years old much of what’s between the covers is as relevant today, in some shape of form, as it was then. Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, ESPN, has blazed a stunning path of achievement with its expansive coverage of broadcast sports-spinning off into ESPN2, ESPN Classic Sports, ESPNews, and ESPN Magazine-but has also experienced its share of controversy. Along the way, this American triumph has alienated on-air talent, drawn charges of racial discrimination, and seen employees accused of blatant sexual harassment. ESPN’s success story is no fairy tale. Among the colourful lore and amusing anecdotes lurk serious complications and controversies. Through information gleaned from internal documents, police and court records, and interviews with network employees, on-air talent, producers, and executives, ESPN: The Uncensored History probes the inside story of America’s premier sports network. Part corporate history, part media and cultural analysis, and part expose, the book examines both the positive developments effected by the network and the bad habits it has picked up from the business it covers.