Screensport

Screensport
Launched	29 March 1984
Closed	1 March 1993
Owned by	WH Smith Group ESPN, Inc..

Screensport was a pan-European sports television channel that broadcast from 1984 to 1993 before merging with Eurosport.

Screensport was founded in 1981 by Bob Kennedy — who had started up BBC Radio Leicester, what became Sky One and several independent commercial radio stations. Backers included US networks ABC and ESPN. A programming deal with TransWorld International allowed access to events taking place around the world.

The channel began broadcasting on 29 March 1984. Media Communications controlled the studios and transmission facilities in Knutsford, Cheshire, while its administration office was based in London. Apart from American sports, the station aired regular and weekly British sports including British speedway and . Screensport aired only recorded programming until 31 August 1984, when they showed live greyhound racing from Wembley Stadium - including the St Leger.

By late 1984, WH Smith Television Group had purchased a 15% stake in the company.RCA also acquired a 10% share in the business. Other investors included Ladbrokes and the pension fund of the National Coal Board. Former BBC executive Aubrey Singer was a prominent board member.

In 1985, the station started to expand its broadcasting area to include the Netherlands and Sweden, introducing new programmes and sports including ice speedway, Dutch ice hockey, and motor sport. Coverage of English football began in the same year, screening the Area and National finals from the Freight Rover Trophy, a competition for lower division clubs.

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