U of L Signs Television Agreement With WDRB/WFTE
May 11, 2000 | General
May 11, 2000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville Athletic Association, Inc., has signed a five-year agreement with WDRB-TV/WTFE-TV in Louisville, for the rights to its local sports telecasts, its basketball and football coaches' shows, and a general athletic department show for the 2000-2005 seasons. The agreement also includes an option for a five-year renewal upon completion of the contract.
"WDRB/WFTE has been a tremendous partner in providing extensive programming and promotional support for Cardinal Athletics," said U of L Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. "Their coverage of our athletic programs locally is an impressive complement to the national television coverage we receive. I applaud John Dorkin and WDRB/WFTE for their continued commitment in making it possible for our fans to closely follow our teams."
"We are confident that under Tom Jurich's leadership the athletic programs at the University of Louisville will reach unprecedented heights," said John Dorkin, president and general manger of WDRB-TV/WFTE-TV. "We want to assure viewers in the Louisville market that WDRB and WFTE will continue to provide comprehensive quality coverage of U of L sports well into the 21st century."
WDRB, a Fox network affiliate (Channel 41), or WFTE, a UPN member (Channel 58), will televise live all men's basketball games which are not contracted by Conference USA or national networks. In addition, football games which are permitted to be televised under C-USA restrictions will be aired live.
The agreement includes a monthly, one-hour general U of L athletic department show, which will air from September through April. That coverage will be supplemented by a weekly vignette on U of L athletics that will air on WDRB's weekday morning show, "Fox in the Morning," and its daily 10 p.m. news. A weekly 30-minute coach's show with Football Coach John L. Smith and Basketball Coach Denny Crum continues in the new contract.
WDRB/WFTE will also air six live telecasts of other varsity sports events. WDRB will continue to use its portable satellite uplink truck to improve the distribution capabilities of U of L programming.
Other considerations provided in the agreement include extensive on-air promotional time, highlight video presentations for pre- and post-season football and men's basketball luncheons, and mass media advertising and promotion for the university.
The Cardinals' current television rights-holder, WDRB has aired local telecasts of U of L events for the past 10 years and for two additional years from 1985-87.
