Matthews, key to ESPN's programming growth, dies at 65

... key executives to ESPN's growth into a major media outlet, has died at age 65. Matthews, who retired in 2006 as ABC Sports senior vice president for programming, joined the network in 1980 - a year after launch - and was instrumental in ESPN ...

http://blog.timesunion.com/sportsmedia/matthews-key-to-espns-growth-dies-at-65/12141/