The features of the American sports broadcasting brand are reflected in the ESPN logo and all its visualization. The right slope symbolizes constant movement, red color – energy, passion, and aggression characteristic of all types of sports competitions.
ESPN: Brand overview
Founded: | 1979 |
Founder: | Bill Rasmussen, Scott Rasmussen |
Headquarters: | Bristol, Connecticut |
Website: | espn.com |
Meaning and History
Throughout its existence, this company has only had two logos: debut and current. They are radically different from each other, as the designers have changed both graphic and text elements.
What is ESPN?
It is an American television network that specializes in sports. ESPN stands for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network.
1979 – 1985
The first emblem was released on July 14, 1978. A year later, it became a full-fledged attribute of television programs. This happened on 09/07/1979. The original version bore a simple inscription “ESPN.” The logo’s design is minimalistic: red letters on a white background, surrounded by a wide, orange oval.
1985 – today
The current version has been used since 1985. It is made in Stop font, which was developed in 1971 by designer Aldo Novarese. The authors re-created the brand name without taking anything from the previous version. The font was enlarged and slightly slanted to the right. The red letters have been crossed out with a wide white line that runs at the level of the upper bend “S” and the in-letter gap “P.” This allowed them to get a completely new concept.
Font and Colors
Both branding options are based on the acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. Moreover, both the first and second logo emphasizes simplicity.
The current version contains an improved font that closely resembles a graphic sign. It is distinguished by modernity, dynamism, which is conveyed in the line that crosses the word.
The color palette is a combination of red and white. The first is close to scarlet and has an intense shade. Its task is to focus the audience’s attention on strength, passion, brightness and keep its intensity at the peak of emotions. White, on the other hand, symbolizes purity and perfection.
The printed version also uses black – light letters on a dark background. There is another version of the emblem, where the phrase “The total sports network” is located under the name. It is written in uppercase.
ESPN color codes
Red | Hex color: | #e52534 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 229 37 52 | |
CMYK: | 0 84 77 10 | |
Pantone: | PMS 185 C |
What does the ESPN logo mean?
The ESPN logo slopes to the right, giving it a sense of movement. The dynamic effect is enhanced by a white horizontal line drawn from above through all the letters. Red symbolizes energy, passion, aggression.
Who owns ESPN?
ESPN is split between two owners. 20% of the shares are owned by the multinational conglomerate Hearst Communications, Inc., and the remaining 80% are owned by the media group The Walt Disney Company.
Who founded ESPN?
ESPN was founded by ophthalmologist Ed Eagan, sociologist Scott William Rasmussen and his father, William F. Rasmussen. They enlisted the support of Bob Beuys and partnered to create the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network.
When was ESPN founded?
In 1978, the new Entertainment and Sports Programming Network brand was registered. The sports channel ESPN debuted on September 7, 1979.