Part 8/10:
By 2011, ESPN experienced unparalleled success with 100 million cable subscribers, yet the subsequent decline of cable television proved fateful. Heavy investment in long-term broadcasting deals backfired as subscriptions plummeted and revenues fell, sparking layoffs that stripped away recognizable on-air talent.
Competing in a New Age
As ESPN's viewership waned, competition from dedicated sports outlets and independent digital platforms began to flourish. Social media forever changed how fans consume sports content, with platforms like YouTube providing customized coverage at users' fingertips. Despite ESPN being technologically behind, digital viewership is on the rise, suggesting the network remains relevant but has lost the narrative power it once commanded.