John Skipper, President of ESPN and Co-Chairman of Disney Media Networks, stands as one of the most influential figures in sports media, shaping what millions of viewers consume daily across television, radio, and digital platforms.

With degrees in English Literature from UNC and Columbia University, Skipper's journey began with a passion for publishing rather than sports. His career started at Straight Arrow Publishing, where he worked with Rolling Stone and US Weekly, before becoming President and Publishing Director at Spin magazine.

Joining Disney in 1990, Skipper initially served as an executive in The Disney Publishing Group, managing magazines, books, and licensing operations. His pivotal move to ESPN came in 1997 as Senior Vice President, overseeing the launch of ESPN the Magazine, which won over 20 awards in its first year.

His success led to broader responsibilities, including oversight of ESPN.com during the digital media explosion. By 2004, as Executive Vice President of Advertising Sales and ESPN Enterprises, Skipper's influence grew substantially, controlling advertising revenue and new business development.

As Executive Vice President of Content, Skipper became responsible for all ESPN content across media platforms. His leadership has been instrumental in:

• Expanding ESPN's global presence
• Negotiating major content partnerships
• Growing ESPN's network of channels
• Developing digital platforms
• Strengthening radio operations

Today, Skipper's influence extends beyond ESPN to the entire sports media landscape, demonstrating how following one's passions – in his case, literature and publishing – can lead to unexpected but remarkable career achievements.

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