Let's not stop with CBS
 

Guys CBS is great, but I think we need to get our national competition broadcast on ESPN. They broadcast the national spelling bee for newton's sake, I think people would love to see a bunch of competing robots and get excited about FIRST. I know NASA broadcast's the competition but nobody I know gets the NASA channel and people will only go on the web if they know about it. If we can get on ESPN, FIRST will be advertised on the TV Guide channel and everyone will see it and have a chance to get interested.

I think if we can get a lot of people (the CD members) to contact ESPN we may be able to get somewhere on this subject. So who's with me?

EDIT:
Upon further reveiw, it doesnt appear that ESPN will take ideas from anyone unless they are affiliated w/ ESPN. So either we need to get ESPN as a sponsor or lets try to get on as many channels as possible. I say we try to get FIRST to officially help us try to get on a Basic Cable channel or even a regular broadcast channel (NBC, CBS, etc..). The only thing we have to compete w/ at the end of april is basketball playoffs, so other channels need something to combat that.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I'm in... but it might take a lot more than us to get ESPN to consider it. Besides... I don't think they would cover the Championship b/c it's 2 full days of action. That would be 9-5 for two days. Maybe we could get them to cover the elimination rounds. Or maybe tape it then edit it. But I'd rather see NBC cover it like they would a football game or a NASCAR race.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Many of you probably know that FIRST was broadcast by ESPN in the early 1990s I know they did 1995 and 1996 I'm not sure about other years. Typically their broadcast would be several months after nationals in June or July. I think that we are there when Brian Williams reports live from Atlanta on the evening news. Or when Google puts us on their logo. Does anyone else feel like we got cheated by Google? A robot relay...come on...if Google were serious we would be on the logo. Or when we get a front page story on CNN, which we were pretty close to this year.

As far as TV goes I think FIRST missed its chance to be on TV as a dedicated show back when Battlebots was on. I mean every network had a robot show, if we couldn't get on TV in that climate I question whether it is ever going to happen.

Justin

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

It shouldn't be too hard to get ESPN to go for broadcasting the FIRST competitions. They've already resorted to televising rock paper scissors championships, cup stacking, etc. :yikes:

So, since they're scraping so hard for content already, I think we have a good chance of doing this.

Does anyone have an e-mail address for ESPN we can send to? also, I think that this thread should be put on the portal page, if we end up doing this for real. It worked for CBS, it should work of ESPN.

-Q

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I think if we got everyone on CD to petition a company about this they would have to listen sooner or later. There are a lot of families that aren't able to come see their son's and daughter's compete but would watch at home if it were on normal television. 9-5 on a weekday and a saturday isn't even prime time. I think before we do anything we need to get some direction and then do this "petition" as formally as posible, but I agree if we have this on the portal page a lot of people will see it and probably help as they did with CBS.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

ESPN use to televise the whole chapionship some time ago. It was easy when there wasn't a whole lot that ESPN did televise. I think what you need is people who can go to ESPN and say, "we can do everything, the cameras, the announcers, the inverviews, everything and we can do it professional and worth while, you just need to put it on TV."

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

What about talking to Discovery networks (discovery, TLC, etc.) or the science channel? It would be in line with their programming and I think that a live broadcast of the championship finals would have decent ratings.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

You know...I bet you they would love to host FIRST rather than ESPN.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

even better, lets open up a FIRST channel, we can show around the clock footage of old matches, interviews with technologists, scientists, enterpreneurs, inventors, and lastly, live footage of what is going on in Dave Lavery's office :D

on a serious note, im sure if discovery networks was approached in the right manner, by the right people, im sure they would love to broadcast the matches

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

My perspective on this:

Way back in the Dark Ages of televised motorsports (late 70s), almost all races were tape-delayed, pre-empted by golf or a local flower show and generally not a very interesting TV show. Most of the networks weren't interested in showing cars going round and round and most people weren't interested in watching these shows. A good crowd at most NASCAR races was probably one-tenth of what they draw now.

So what changed all that? NASCAR made some effort to appeal to a broader audience, but in my opinion, one event had the biggest single impact. In 1979 (I think), somebody at CBS took a risk and put together live coverage of the Daytona 500, complete with multiple camera coverage of the whole track and multiple in-car cameras - something rarely attempted and never done very well before that. The show was sensational, at least by the standard of the day, and it got really good ratings, at least for a non-ball sport.

That event showed both the viewers and the networks that this show could be exciting and make money. So, I think the questions we should be asking are:

How do we show Big TV that FIRST will draw more viewers and make them more money than the rock-paper-scissors championship?

Anyone here know how many viewers it takes to make sponsors notice?

And maybe, as was asked somewhere on CD recently, do we want to make the changes necessary to make the competition TV-friendly? I'm not sure that it would be a good thing, myself. Personally, I thought the racing was better before TV and NASCAR fell in love.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I know this is a kind of random and out there thing, but I'll be attending University of Hartford next fall and am planning on being a part of their television program that broadcasts weekly on ESPN 2. Does anyone know any teams in the Hartford, CT area?

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

One important item missing in this story is that there was a huge blizzard in the Northeast that weekend and many people were snow bound. At the time there were only 5 channels in most markets so this was the event every one watched. The blizzard was the real factor in bringing out the popularity.

I can try to float this to people I know who work at ESPN. (I live in CT and most of us here know some one who works at the Bristol office.) However I would rather see if we could get PBS live coverage. It would be garunteed to be in HD everywhere that way and I think they would see a pay back for the broadcast.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Well I know Cold Pizza (an ESPN morning show) already did a little segment on FIRST, and we had an article in ESPN the magazine...so the interest is already there...now we just have to seal the deal and get them to notice us hardcore.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Here's all the teams within about 20 minutes of Hartford: 155, 173, 175, 176, 177, 178, 181, 195, 228, 571, 809, 1124, 1373, 1524

Edit: This is my 555th post. :p

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

How bout email every big news company and sned them a story of FIRST and have them stay stuff about FIRST and how to contact a nearby team???? That would get interest sparked..(oratleast in my area cause nasa is big here)

Pavan

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Of these teams, 181 is the team which is actually in Hartford. :)

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

It depends 181 has the time. They should, but I'm not sure because everyone (at least the students) have their heads in some sort of AP review book from now until May 20. (AP exams) Hope no one is working too hard (or working too little).

Anyway, I hope ESPN jumps on. But you guys should really try for MTV! If they have "The Gauntlet," They should devote two straight days to it. After all, FIRST is supposed to target the MTV generation! (And get rid of stupid shows such as "My Super Sweet 16th Birthday Party" which make us average ppl feel poor and turn red because we wish we could do that.)

P.S. 1111 will make an appearance on a 90-second news spot on a national news network sometime between mid/late May and early June. (Probably CBS, except I'm not sure of any details.)

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

a petition would do the trick

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I know that the Students @ Hartford in CETA mentor a team, I'm not sure which one though. I'll find out soon though. I can't wait to go up to Hartford as well. Biomed/Mech Engineering. I definately will be working with FIRST much after i grad from HS and College.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I think that a paper or electronic petition would be our best bet, along with a formal proposal for the program outlining the benefits of broadcasting FIRST, both for FIRST, science and technology, and the company in terms of profit. According to the FIRST website 10,000 students attended nationals, this is at least 10,000 families that would probably tune in back home, plus whoever each of these families tell and whoever else who is interested (and honestly, who isn't somewhat interested if you mention the word "robot"?).

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I would prefer a condensed, edited version consisting of just the higher level matches. Edited footage is simply much more exciting. I think that an edited version without match downtime, etc would be much more pubicly appealing.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I completely agree, though the pauses in between the match ending and the score is still needed. Otherwise the suspense isn't there. My main concern with this, though, is the fact that they will have to film on all 5 fields. 4 of them at the same time! How will they air that? Back to back to back?

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I'd rather not see FIRST on ESPN again. They had to blur logoes off of robots, and other stuff like that, and it was barely watchable, much less entertaining.
Plus, it can't really be broadcast live anyway. No time for commercials, so a big network like ESPN, CBS, or Discovery would lose all the commercial money, which is alot more than a FIRST competition would draw. Unless you want to drop 1 commercial between each and every match, which would make the broadcast horribly choppy and barely watchable.
You could tape the event and play it later, as they used to do. Add interviews, and other things to spice it up a bit. But then, there's absolutely no way you could fit even close to the entire event in a single episode, it would take an entire season's worth of shows for each regional. You could go elimination rounds only, but then you lose half the fun.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I get what you mean.. they can't blur out anything otherwise it loses everything. Robotics is about Team and Sponsor pride. I think we just need to start talking to stations. Honestly, the best way to start is on a local station then try to move up.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Actually a commercial every 2-3 matches wouldn't be bad, plus you would have to switch fields periodically, it would kind of be like how they broadcast multi-table poker games, having a "feature" table and rotating through. They could also have interviews and everything to spice it up and keep the matches live, you would just need to record interveiws before hand. I think a big network would find a way to make it work. In terms of sponsors and blurring out stuff I think that if we got a lot of the big sponsor's of FIRST to have commercials on the broadcast we could get rid of that. I mean look at nascar all the cars are sponsored by different companies.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Maybe if we added something cool like...onboard robot cameras....we'd appeal to EPSN or big networks for broadcasting...

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

That wouldn't be a bad idea to mount some inexpensive camera's on the robot and somehow get FIRST to put it in the rules that a certain camera will not count as weight (ala the bumpers for this year.) it would definately be feasible.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Hey let me know about the team when you find out! Helping out a nearby team would be greeeeatttt. I may not be going into engineering, but I definitely won't be able to get through a whole year without robotics.

I thought it would be cool to try and do a story on a local robotics team on ESPN 2 instead of just local sports teams for next year.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Looks like the Discovery channel is looking for new program ideas - that may be more like the group of a target audience for FIRST anyway.

Could someone who is into writing put something together and post out here:
http://community.discovery.com/group...m/f/5241934628

Have an awesome day.

DeAnna

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

How about this format for televising the Einstein matches (FIRST Final Four)?

Prior to the start of the semifinals, some FIRST background material (including Dave Lavery's game animation) would be shown to set the context. Highlights of finals matches for each of the divisions would be shown to familiarize the viewers with the game and show how the Einstein alliances made it to the "Final Four".

The Einstein matches themselves would be shown live, with multiple cameras covering the field. A few of the robots could be equipped with wireless 'bot-cams as well. Coverage of the match might use split-screen, a close-up "picture-in-picture" window and an accurate current score banner across the top. Live coverage is tricky, since action is generally spread across the field. The "play-by-play" announcer needs to be very familiar with the game strategies, robot capabilities, etc. to guide the viewers through the critical action. Immediately after the match, instant replays and recorded 'bot-cam clips could be shown, with a live shot of the drive teams' reaction to the posting of the official score. The SF 1-1, SF 2-1 matches are played back-to-back, with just replays and team introductions between the matches. Then there's time for commercial breaks and "condensed" award presentations. After the break, SF 1-2 and SF 2-2 are played, followed by another break for awards and commericials. If necessary, third matches for the semifinals would be played. There's time available before and between each of the finals matches for more FIRST awards presentations. After the champion is determined, maybe some field-level interviews with drive teams, the trophy presentations and wrap-up with the Chairman's Award.

All of this could be packaged in a 60-minute to 90-minute slot. FIRST officials would have to take it's cues from a director on the field and the teams be ready to go on cue. A challenge would be to build in some "wiggle room" for third matches, ties, timeouts, etc.

It might be interesting to see if this year's championship footage (if it's still available) could be neatly edited to make a "demo tape" for potential broadcast networks (ESPN, Discovery, MTV, TNT - whoever). Even if the networks pass on this, having a well-produced, one-hour FIRST championship video would be very popular among the teams :cool: and could even be periodically re-broadcast on NASA TV's "Education File". I know I'd like to have this in my DVD library!

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

I like the ideas expressed in the previous post. It would be a good way to have a 2-hour timeslot and get FIRST out there without taking up two whole days of broadcast. And if a 2 hour timeslot works the first year a company may consider going farther in depth.

As for discovery channel, if someone is writing in to them, don't send it yet, we should get as many electronic signatures on it as posible to show our support for it.

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

Discovery Inc. is located in Silver Spring, Maryland - not far away from all of teh Baltimore/Washington area teams. Why don't we get in touch with the president of the company, invite him to a couple of the upcoming events where the robots will be in attendance (the Six Flags physics day on the 12th and the air show at Andrews the weekend of the 19th)...then try and get him to sit down with us and develop a program? BTW, all these folks are youngish and seem to have open minds, from what I can read about them.

One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 240-662-2000

John Hendricks, Founder and Chairman
Judith McHale, President and CEO
Donald A. Baer, Senior executive VP, Strategy and Development
William M. Campbell III, President Discovery Networks, US
Dawn L. McCall, President Discovery Networks International

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

[quote=Robyn Needel]Discovery Inc. is located in Silver Spring, Maryland - not far away from all of teh Baltimore/Washington area teams. Why don't we get in touch with the president of the company, invite him to a couple of the upcoming events where the robots will be in attendance (the Six Flags physics day on the 12th and the air show at Andrews the weekend of the 19th)...then try and get him to sit down with us and develop a program? BTW, all these folks are youngish and seem to have open minds, from what I can read about them.....

Terrific idea.....Dean and the local area teams should extend them an invitation......followup with an invitation to next year's regional or IRI.....and people who have posted about NASA Web TV is right....not everyone has access to that station....

Pat Chen

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

it has not stoped i just saw a team member of 294 on Disney Channel!!!

link enclosed Disney Channel Congrats

Re: Let's not stop with CBS
 

am a news camera-operator in Toronto Ontario Canada and a couple of things came to mind when reading this threat about media coverage.

First, I would start by doing research and getting the accurate contact information on all of you're local newspapers, TV stations, radio stations in you're area, in additon the big networks and specialty channels and the wire services such as CP AP reuters etc AND news release services, we have canada newswire up here and there are many others.

Don't think you're small local community paper is too small, you would be surprised how many people and people who run small businesses in the communities read those papers (potential sponsors?).

Now the things that come to mind for writing a press release to help make sure it actually gets read...

Keep is simple: Believe me I work in news and well to keep this post somewhat "graciously professional" lets just say it's NOT always people of the caliber of FIRST who work on the assignment desks.

so keep it simple, bold, easy to read and understand.

Priorities I would make sure are on the press release are:

WHAT: a brief description of what FIRST is....not just about the robot
WHEN: exact times of you're event
WHERE: exact and accurate location of the venue
CONTACT: a phone and email contact of someone a reporter can call anytime on or before the event

When to send you're press releases? well in advance of the events, in advance of events and the day before the event and my reasoning for that is there are many people working assignment desks and if one person doesn't care maybe on a different day someone else will tweak to this story and say "hey let's check this out", you never know so you want to "gently" keep reminding them that there is a very interesting story to be covered here.

Agenda stories:

At least here in Toronto the media seem to be obsessed with agenda stories these days, so it's good to promote and strongly emphasize all aspects of FIRST not just the robot.

For example I was the camera-guy assigned to cover the GTR at the Hershey centre, I had no idea what it was all about, I had heard about robotics competitons a few years ago but thats about it.

So I just go there like every other event with no clue other than a robotics competition and the students built the robots.....

If I knew what I know now about what this all is about I sure would have asked different questions when doing clips.

You never know what the agenda is though...we don't half the time believe me...so you want to point out to prospective news organizations some highlights.

For example, when I entered the Hershy centre I was told I had to wear safety glasses, being media I though yea...ok..and then quickly I noticed "EVERYONE" had them on...everyone and all the time, I guess I'm going to have to learn to shoot video through the glasses and in about 20 minutes I got used to it and it didn't feel awkward, BUT what went through my mind was here are hundreds of students to take WORKPLACE SAFETY alot more seriously than many workplaces including then news industry. -THERE IS YOU'RE STORY ANGLE.

I started by shooting as much video in the pits as I could, some interview clips and shots of teams working on the robots and wide shots of the crowds....so I was walking all through the pits looking for stuff that would look "visual" and as I left for the field a thought went through my mind, "I HAVEN'T HEARD ONE SWEAR WORD" the whole hour in was in the puts...not one! I was thinking....theres a story idea here

so while our newspapers and TV news headlines were full of crime stories about youth crime and and gang violence etc etc....here was a large group making something of their lives. -THERE IS YOU'RE STORY ANGLE.

While the bad will always make the news the trend of doing more with news and all these sidebar stories means there is more chances to counter the bad with some good and hit the local and national media with this story idea about first not only around competitions but when big bad stories are front and centre in the news....

Here is what I came away with from covering the GTR at Hershy centre:

SAFETY FIRST...in practice...amazing eh?!
everyone working together not against each other
clean language....really noticable

Then of course there is the tech side to it, from the idea to the design/drafting to the building....the technical knowledge just blows me away and believe me I wish we had more people with that work ethic and knowldge in the business I am in, I have since read up on FIRST and found this site and really impressive and fun and ADDICTIVE!

Being a severe weather cameraguy as well maybe if the next game involves and waterproof robot I can steal some ideas for building a waterproof robot for covering severe weather :)

mark