Sex, Drugs, and SportsCenter

 One of the best books I've read this summer is ESPN: Those Guys Have All the Fun by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales. Now, mind you it isn't a technical guide about how sports works and it isn't some boring glossy. It traces the history of the network from birth to now. It's so juicy, there's even a movie in the works. Even if you don't watch ESPN, you'll be turning the pages.
 The book features interviews with some of the network's most prominent personalities, such as DWTS failure Kenny Mayne, controversial pundit Keith Olbermann, and current Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. It's honest; including everything from sex scandals to drug abuse.
 I like it because you don't have to know anything about sports to appreciate it. Cable is a relatively new form of media compared to newspapers and books. Only in the past thirty years has it made an impact in popular culture. But it wasn't easy.
 Miller and Shales detail the struggle to get funding, airtime, and an audience. Not only that, but how does a twenty-four hour network function with only one focus? How are all viewers reached? Is there a goal in programming? It's not all money and it's not all pretty.
 As I said, this book gets pretty scandalous. The clash of egos was strong initially, especially since the corporate environment was mostly male. It deals with with how a corporate culture has to essentially struggle with itself to seem fun but responsible.
 But the point I'm at in the book is probably my favorite so far. The Keith Olbermann drama is epic. Olbermann was coveted by ESPN for over ten years and then when he got there it was his way or else. It provides insight into Olbermann's more current clashes with MSNBC.
 I'm hoping there are more expository books on other networks like CNN and MTV because it's about time we get to see the inside story to some of our favorite networks.