[Steven Donow]

I think it's a big step to go from no TV coverage(ie. public access-type channels) to full coverage on a major national channel...

And while I don't believe there are any major sporting events during IRI-time, it's a lot to ask to have a huge network devote an ENTIRE day to covering something new that markets to such a niche community(speaking realistically; obviously a goal is for FIRST to not be a niche community). Also advertisers probably would not have much confidence in putting money towards advertising during a HS robotics competition.
Also, I believe/assume that the reason there was ESPN2 coverage was because it was when championship took place at Disney; owned by the same conglomerate ESPN is apart of.

I think the first step towards getting coverage of an event like this would be something similar to MSC, broadcast by a local network, streamed online, and the ability to play it back. IMO until FIRST reaches the huge level of full day, live broadcasts on cable TV channels, MSC-type coverage was perfect.

For the next year or two, I think the most coverage of an event would be similar to the i.am.FIRST special on ABC two years ago...