FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)



WHAT DOES ESPN STAND FOR?
It doesn't stand for anything ... but the story is this:
When ESPN started in 1979, we were the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (thus, ESPN). However, the full name was dropped in February 1985 when the company adopted a new corporate name -- ESPN, Inc. -- and a new logo. Based in Bristol, CT., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds the remaining 20 percent interest in ESPN.
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CAN I SEE ESPN IN EUROPE?
At this time, ESPN (as seen in the U.S.) is not available as an individual network in Europe. However, certain local broadcasters in various European territories utilize ESPN programming. Please contact the local broadcaster in your area to determine if they access ESPN programming.
ESPN Classic Sport Europe, ESPN Classic Sport France, ESPN Classic Sport UK and ESPN Classic Sport Italy are recent additions to our programming available in Europe. Please contact your local provider to receive information on these channels in these territories or access their website at: www.espnclassicsport.com
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WHY ARE CERTAIN SPORTING EVENTS NOT AVAILABLE ON ALL ESPN NETWORKS?
This is due to TV broadcasting rights issues. There are times when ESPN only has rights to air certain events in a specific territory and therefore we are not able to broadcast them to ALL ESPN networks.
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I HAVE A DECODER/SATELLITE/ANTENNA, HOW CAN I ACCESS ESPN'S INTERNATIONAL SIGNAL?
You must be a licensed broadcaster to receive the ESPN signal. ESPN's signal is encrypted (scrambled) and decoders are not sold or authorized for individual satellite or decoder owners.
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WHERE CAN I FIND TV LISTINGS FOR ESPN'S VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS?
You can visit the ESPN International viewer web site under the TV Listings or  Listings by Sport section. Utilize the drop down menu and choose the network in your territory; ESPN Latin America, ESPN+ (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay), ESPN Dos (Mexico, Central and South America), ESPN Pacrim, ESPN Australia; ESPN Israel, ESPN Atlantic (Africa/Middle East). When you do a query remember to include your time zone to ensure you're viewing the proper dates/times as they pertain to your territory. For information on ESPN Classic Sport in Europe, please access: www.espnclassicsport.com You can also view www.espndeportes.com for news, information and TV listings in Spanish.
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HOW CAN I ORDER COPIES OF ESPN PROGRAMMING?
Unfortunately, ESPN programming is not available on videotape or other formats for distribution.
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WHY DOES THE PROGRAMMING CHANGE FROM WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED AND PROMOTED?
Given the nature of sports, changes to the schedule are to be expected. Additional reasons can vary from the program not arriving on time or broadcast quality issues. These are the main and most frequent reasons for program changes.
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LOCAL SPORTS EVENTS ARE NOT GETTING SUFFICIENT COVERAGE
ESPN offers the best in international sports on our various regional channels. Although ESPN attempts to secure broadcast rights to events with great attraction value, all program rights are not always available for the various ESPN territories.
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WHY ARE THE ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDES OR LOCAL PUBLICATION SCHEDULES FOR ESPN INCORRECT?
Due to last minute changes and deadlines with printed publications, it is not always possible to advise individual publications of late changes. We suggest checking our websites: International TV Listings or www.espndeportes.com under TV listings on a daily or weekly basis as programming does frequently change.
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CAN I SEE ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN CLASSIC, ESPN NOW, ESPN EXTRA AND ESPNEWS IN MY COUNTRY?
At this time, these networks and services are not available outside the United States. ESPN International networks distribute both regional-specific and American sports. Check with your local cable or satellite operator to determine which ESPN service is available in your area. ESPN Classic Sport France, ESPN Classic Sport Italy, ESPN Classic Sport UK and ESPN Classic Sport Europe are available in the region. For further information on these networks, please contact your local provider or access: www.espnclassicsport.com
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DURING SPORTING EVENTS, WE HEAR OR SEE PROMOTIONS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WHEN WE TUNE IN, THE PROGRAMMING IS NOT THERE...WHY?
ESPN International Networks often simulcast their programming with the ESPN Domestic Networks. During these programs, the domestic network will promote upcoming programs that relate to the U.S. networks. Please continue to check ESPN International's website or www.espndeportes.com to confirm programming and schedules.
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