Corporate behemoths do not naturally engender a lot of warmth and affection from consumers. America is not wired that way, largely for good reason—we’re always bracing for the next price hike or curtailing of service. Specifically, the broadcast business is a brass-tacks world where sentiment is for suckers and career shelf lives can be mercilessly short.
But when a giant, money-making entity displays some grace and humanity, it’s O.K. to note it. And ESPN’s respectful—downright affectionate—treatment of two of the most important broadcasters in its history deserves applause.
