Wide World of Sports

-Famous Slogan of Wide World of Sports: "Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports.... the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.... the human drama of athletic competition.This is ABC's Wide World of Sports."

Beginning of Sportscasting

- Sports events would be recreated from barebones wire service reports

- Announcers located in studios sometimes hundreds of miles away from the game

- They would use sound effects and imaginative language to manufacture the impression that they were actually on location and describing the play-by-play action as it unfolded on the playing field.

- In the 1940's sports programming stimulated much of the initial demand for the television.30% of prime time scheduling was sports.

- 1950's saw sportscasting using radio enthusiasm on TV.

Beginning of Wide World of Sports

- In the following year, as vice president of ABC Sports, he created what would become the longest running sports program ever, 41 years, ABC's Wide World of Sports.

-First broadcast was April 29, 1961, with the two events of the Penn relays from Franklin Field, Philadelphia and the Drake Relays from Des Moines, Iowa.

- His goal with this show was to take events that take place all around the world, that hundreds of thousands of people go to, that in many cases U.S. audiences don't know about.

- Nobody wanted Wide World of Sports.They had never heard it, it didn't even have a name then, but to get NCAA football you had to buy a part of Wide World.

- Half of Wide World of Sports had to be sold to sponsors or it would not go on.

- R. J. Reynolds called at 5 minutes to five and took half but reluctantly.They had no interest in the show but they just wanted the NCAA football.

- He brought his production specialties to ABC-entirely changing sportsprogramming by introducing such techniques as slow motion and instant replays.

- Instant replays started Dec. 31, 1963 at an Army/Navy football game.The rise in popularity of televised football during the '60's is due to instant replay.

- These production techniques enabled him to create more exciting and dramatic sporting events.

- Combined with the production skills, he used "Up Close and Personal" athletefeatures, which changed the way the world, viewed competing athletes.

- He was one of the first to use the Atlantic Satellite which allowed him to produce live sporting events from around the world.

- Arledge adopted a policy in 1961 of not signing contracts that included a traditional announcer approval clause.This policy made ABC the first network to allow critical commentary to accompany play-by-play.

- Other firsts for Wide World of Sports include:

Aug. 12, 1961- they used the first women commentator, Lynn Burke who was an Olympic Gold Medallist. She covered the Women's AAU Swimming and Diving Championships from Philadelphia.

Jan. 1, 1966 - Horse Racing on Ice from St. Moritz was the first segment in color.

June 15, 1968 - First use of a wireless hand-held camera used for close-ups at the Indy 500- Bobby Unser won the race.

June 13, 1970- The World Invitational High Diving Championship in Montreal, Canada and the Lemans 24 Hour Grand Prix of Endurance from Lemans, France marks the first time that sports events from two different foreign countries were presented on the same live telecast.

Aug. 24, 1985- Micro miniature camera in the mask of home plate umpire was introduced during Wide World of Sports live coverage of the Little League World Series from Williamsport, PA.

- In 1968 he was promoted to the president of the sports division where he served until 1986. During this time he started Monday Night Football, which earned him even greater respect.Original announcers were Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, and Don Meredith.

- ABC became the unchallenged leader in network sports programming.He invented sports TV with this program, turning events into a TV package.Wide World begat modern TV Olympic coverage and Monday Night Football. Arledge was eventually promoted to president of ABC News.

- His innovations of sports TV were successful for the 10 Olympic Games he produced. He was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame and bestowed the Medal of Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee, which made him the first TV executive to win this award.

- In a 1994 Sports Illustrated magazine ranking placed him 3rd only behind Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan on a list of 40 individuals who have had the greatest impact on the world of sports in the last four decades. 

Sports Announcers

-McKay and Howard Cosell gave ABC the most comprehensive sports programming available on TV.

- His assignment as an Olympic commentator made him one of the most recognizable sports personalities in the world.

-One of the most memorable was Munich- While preparing to take a swim on his first day off at the games, he got word that there were gunshots fired in the Olympic Village. He ran to the ABC studio, threw on his clothes on over his suitand for the next 16 hours delivered to the world award winning coverage on the Black Sept. Terrorists' attack on Israeli Athletes.

- Most bizarre event he ever witnessed was in the Soviet Union, motorcycle racing on ice.They flooded the floor of Dynamo Stadium, Moscow and after it froze They would bring out the motorcycles with vicious-looking spikes coming out of their tires.The drivers didn't make money, their leather jackets were all torn and ragged, they didn't get very big attendance, but it was bizarre.

- Main point to all these events was that they were there before Wide World of Sports.There was no 'made for TV' aspect to it, people cared about these sports and Wide World showed it.

- McKay's best sports moment and the best he covered was the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team.He hosted the Olympics from the studio.It was the greatest upset in the history of sports, anywhere, anytime.

- In 1968 he became the first sports commentator honored with an Emmy Award.

-He became the first American TV Reporter to enter the People's Republic of China during China's policy of isolationism.

- Julie Moran anchored Wide World of Sports 1991-1994; she was the first women host and the third host ever.

- Robin Roberts is a host, commentator.

- Lynn Swann, a former Pittsburgh Steeler, originally joined ABC as a Sideline Reporter for College Football.

- Bob Griese, an analyst for college football.

- Swann and Griese team with Brad Nessler who does the play-by-play for college football.

- John Saunders is the studio host of the College Football scoreboard show and College Basketball studio show since 1990.

- Dick Vitale is a commentator for basketball.

- Al Michaels does the play-by-play for Monday Night Football. Back when ABC had Major League Baseball coverage he was the lead guy.

- Melissa Stark has been with ABC's Monday Night Football since 2000 as a Sideline Reporter.She works with the broadcast team of Al Michaels, Dan Fouts, Eric Dickerson and Dennis Miller.

- Dick Button is an expert commentator for figure skating who won the Olympic Gold in 1948 and 1952.Won an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality for coverage of 1980 Olympics.

- Peggy Flemming, 1968 Olympic Gold Medallist. Figure skating announcer since 1981.

- Terry Gannon has done play-by-play since 1991 for college basketball.Covered 1983 NC State National Championship Basketball Game.

Changes Over the Past 40 Years

- Changes in minority participation in sport, not as much in some; some golf tournaments black people had a tough time getting into the crowd.

- There is still an audience for it, not many people can do it as well as Wide World of Sports.The only stopping it is the economy, which is showing signs of life.

Memorable Moments in ABC Wide World of Sports History

April 10, 1965- One of the greatest shows in the history of Wide World of Sports.In addition to the U.S. National Men's Swimming and Diving Championships, the show featured Robert Kennedy's ascent of Mt. Kennedy in Canada, to place the family flag atop the mountain named in honor of his brother, and a segment on the Houston Astrodome with Roger Maris trying to hit the roof of the stadium.

March 21, 1970-The International Ski Flying Championship from Oberstdorf provides one of the most memorable moments in Wide World of Sports history.On his third jump, Vinko Bogata tumbled down the jump and became forever more "the agony of defeat."Vinko wasn't seriously hurt, suffering only a concussion.He was jumping again the following year, but never with the same abandon he once had.

February 26, 1972- A.J Foyt becomes the first man to win the Indy 500, 24 Hours of Lemans and Daytona.He did all three on Wide World of Sports.

April 15, 1972- USA, People's Republic of China Table Tennis Competition from Detroit provides another chapter in "Ping-Pong Diplomacy."Also provides Wide World with one of its most memorable moments as the athletes marched out of Cobo Arena with their arms raised together.

November 25, 1972- Seventh highest rated show in Wide World of Sports history featured Muhammad Ali, Bob Foster fight, the World Ski Flying Championships and a report on Olga Korbut.

March 3, 1973- World Figure Skating Championships in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia produces one of the greatest moments in Wide World history.Soviet pair of Irina Rodnina and Aleksandr Zaitsev were in the midst of their free skating program when their music stopped.The duo continued to skate, finishing within a second of the time the music would have ended and won the gold medal.

March 31, 1973- Ken Norton wins a 12 round decision against Muhammad Ali in their heavyweight fight from San Diego, CA.Show ranks as 8th highest rated in Wide World of Sports history.

February 17, 1974- Evil Knievel jumps 11 Mack trucks in Highland Falls, Texas.The show, which also included the National Finals Rodeo, still ranks as the 4th highest rated show on Wide World.

March 17, 1974-Wide World of Sports coverage of the World Figure Skating Championships from Munich features one of the greatest non-winning performances in the history of the show.Dorothy Hamill stepped onto the ice for her free program, but the crowd was still booing the marks of the previous skater.Thinking the crowd was booing her, Hamill broke into tears, but she regained her composure and skated one of the most inspired performances of her career to win the silver medal.

January 5, 1975- Muhammad Ali knocks out George Foreman in the 8th round to reclaim the World Heavyweight title from Kinshasa, Zaire. This is the 2nd highest rated show.

October 25, 1975- Evil Knievel jumps for the first time since his crash in Wembley Stadium and clears 15 Greyhound buses. Show from Kings Mill, Ohio is the top rated show in Wide World of Sports history.

January 11, 1976- Wide World telecasts tape of Muhammad Ali defeating Joe Frazier in the "Thriller in Manilla" heavyweight title fight.Ali won the fight when Frazier didn't answer the bell for the 14th round.Afterwards Ali said it was "closest to death I've ever been."He said he hit Frazier with punches that would crumble walls but he wouldn't go down.It is the 3rd highest rated show in Wide World history. 

February 9, 1980- The final tune-up for Americans prior to 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.U.S Hockey Team is crushed 10-3 by the Soviets.

February 22, 1980-"Miracle on Ice" U. S Hockey team defeats Soviets 4-3.

February 24 1980- Olympic Games award ceremony for U.S. Hockey Team following a 4-2 win over Finland.

August 20, 1983- International Special Olympics from Baton Rouge, LA.First show to win a Christopher Award.

May 5, 1990- Unbridled wins Kentucky Derby for his trainer, Carl Nazger, and his owner, Mrs. Francis Genter.This show provided one of the most vivid "thrill of victory" moments - "I love you Mrs. Genter."

March 20, 1993- 1992 Olympic silver medallist Paul Wylie defeats 1988 Olympic gold medallist Brian Boitano for the first time in his professional skating career at the Durasoft Colors World Challenge of Champions.

January 6, 8, 15, 29 and February 5, 1994- Wide World of Sports begins its 34th season with a new host, Julie Moran, from the U.S. Figure Skating Championship in Detroit.The entire event is overshadowed by the attack on reigning National Champion Nancy Kerrigan, at a practice rink.Wide World of Sports correspondents report on the story as it unfolds with exclusive interviews with Kerrigan and they examine Tonya Harding's role in the attack as it comes into question.

February 11, 1995- Richard Callaghan becomes the first coach since 1950 to train the men's and ladies National Champions when Todd Eldredge and Nicole Bobek win at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.Eldredge's win makes him the first man in U.S. history to return to the medal platform after a three year absence, while Bobek upset the much heralded 14 year old Michelle Kwan.The ladies' event airs live in prime time and ABC captures Bobek's surprised reaction backstage when she realizes she has won.

ABC Sports Announcers

Peter Alliss- Golf Analyst

Jack Arute- Top Pit Reporter/ College Sideline Reporter

Ian Baker- Golf Analyst

Terry Bowden- Studio Analyst

Tim Brant- Analyst

Dick Button- Expert Commentator, Figure Skating

Peter Carruthers- Figure Skating Analyst

Rich Cellini- Play-by-Play

Bill Clement- NHL Analyst, ABC Sports

Ed Cunningham- Analyst

Gary Danielson- Analyst

John Davidson- NHL Studio Analyst, ABC Sports

Eric Dickerson- Sideline Reporter

Mike Emrick- NHL Play-by-Play Commentator

Brian Engblom- NHL Reporter, Analyst

Peggy Fleming- Figure Skating Announcer

Dan Fouts- Analyst, Monday Night Football

Terry Gannon- Play-by-Play

Gary Gerould- Auto Racing Pit/ Garage Reporter, ABC Sports

Sean Grande- Play-by-Play

Bob Griese- Analyst

Leslie Gudel- Sideline Reporter

Frank Hannigan- Editorial Advisor, Golf

Todd Harriss- Sideline Reporter

Keith Jackson- Play-by-Play

Bob Jenkins- Auto racing Commentator

Parker Johnstone- Auto Racing Analyst

Charlie Jones- Play-by-Play/ College Football

Steve Levy- Play-by-Play/NHL

Alvaro Martin-Play-by-Play, Monday Night Football

Mike Mayock- Analyst

Sean McDonough- Play-by-Play Announcer

Jim McKay- Commentator, ABC Sports

Steve Melnyk- Expert Commentator, golf

Al Michaels- Play-by-Play, Monday Night Football

Joe Micheletti- NHL Color Commentator

Dennis Miller- Analyst, Monday Night Football

Brent Musburger- Play-by-Play

Brad Nessler-Play-by-Play, Football

David Norrie- Analyst

Paul Page- Auto Racing Announcer

Darren Pang- NHL Analyst

Dr. Jerry Punch- Auto Racing Pit/ Garage Reporter

Judy Rankin- Commentator, Golf

Daryl Reaugh- NHL Color Analyst

Reggie Rivers- Analyst

Robin Roberts- Host, Commentator, ABC Sports

Bob Rosburg- On-Course Commentator, Golf

John Saunders- Studio host

Tom Sneva- Auto Racing Commentator

Melissa Stark- Sideline Reporter, Monday Night Football

Curtis Strange- Commentator, Golf

Lynn Swann- Sideline Reporter/ College Football

Gary Thorne- NHL Play-by-Play Commentator

Mike Tirico- ABC Sports Golf Host

Roger Twibell- Commentator, ABC Sports, Soccer

Dick Vitale- Commentator, Basketball

Alex Wallau- Expert Commentator, Boxing

Susie Wynne- Figure Skating Commentator, ABC Sports

ABC Wide World of Sports Events

Barrel JumpingBaseballBasketball

Baton TwirlingBeach Soccer Beach Volleyball

Bikini CompetitionsBilliardsBobsled

Body BuildingBowlingBridge

CanoeingChessCricket

CroquetCycloballDog Sled Racing

FencingFigure SkatingFireman's Competition

FrisbeeFrog JumpingFighter Interceptor Rocketry

GolfHigh Wire WalkingHorse Jumping

HurlingIce Skating MarathonKayak

LacrosseLifesavingLuge

Lumberjack ChampionshipsMonster TrucksMotorcycle Daredevil Jumps

ParachutingPlatform TennisPolo

PoolRattlesnake HuntRodeo

Roller SkatingRowingRugby

Running of the BullsSkateboardingSky Diving

SnowboardingSnowmobile RacingSoap Box Derby

SoccerSoftballSpecial Olympics

Sumo WrestlingSurfingSwimming

Synchronized SwimmingTable TennisTennis

TobogganingTrack and FieldTrampoline

VolleyballWater PoloWater Skiing

Water Ski Kite FlyingWeightliftingWrestling

Wrist WrestlingX Games: Summer/WinterTriathlon: Ironman (Winter)

Speed Skating: Long Track/Short TrackSki Jumping: Jumping, Flying, Acrobatic

Skiing: Alpine Skiing. Cross Country Skiing, Speed SkiingBoxing: Men's/Women's

Running: Marathon, Mini-marathon, cross-country, Endurance Running (100 miles)

Auto Racing: CART, NASCAR, Formula One, Endurance Car Racing, Dirt Track Racing, Midget Car Racing, Sprint Car Racing, Drag Racing, Jeep Racing, Super Truck Racing, Dune Buggy Racing, KART Racing, Sports Car Racing on Ice, Touring Car Racing, Cross Country Racing.

Auto Non-Racing: Auto Daredevil Jumps, Auto Thrill Shows, Demolition Derbies, Figure Eights.

Boat Racing: Hydroplane Racing, Cutter Racing, Dory Boat Racing, Ice Boat Racing, Power Boat Racing, Yacht Racing.

Climbing: Eiffel Tower Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Rock Climbing

Cycling: Racing, Mountain BikeDiving: Platform/Springboard, Cliff/High Diving

Fishing: Great White Shark Hunting, Tarpon Fishing, Trout Fishing

Football: American Football, Arena Football, Australian Rules Football

Gymnastics: Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics

Horse Racing: Thoroughbred Racing, Trotting, Steeplechase, Horse Racing on Ice

Martial Arts: Judo, Karate, Kick Boxing, Kung Fu

Motorcycle Racing: Track Racing, Cross Country Racing, Steeplechase Racing, Motocross, Ice Racing, Side Car Racing.

For more information, link to:

http://espn.go.com/abcsports/wwos/

References

Shapiro, Mitchell.Television Network Prime-Time Programming.Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company, 1989.

Stark, Steven.Glued to the Set: the 60 Television Shows and Events that made us who we are Today.New York: Free 

Press, 1997.

http://www.mbcnet.org/archives/etv/S/htmlS/sportscasters/sportcasters.htm

http://www.mbcnet.org/ETV/A/htmlA/arledgeroon/arledgeroon.htm

http://www.mbcnet.org/archives/etv/M/htmlM/mckayjim/mckayjim.htm