[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by David Brinza

This situation can still be salvaged: create an hour-long highlight show that describes FIRST, explains Overdrive, summarizes the division qualification/elimination matches, then show all of the Einstein matches. Include slow-motion replays of critical plays with expert commentary, showcase the Chairman's Award winners. Then tell people how they can participate or support the program. A well-produced program on ESPN, Fox Sports Network would attract viewership and increased interest in FIRST. Ending the program with: "FIRST is the only high-school sport where everyone can become a pro" would send a powerful message to the public. Isn't this something that FIRST should pursue??

FIRST would have to either sell the ad space or find sponsors for a program like this. Combined with the production costs, and placement on fairly high-ratings networks like FSN or ESPN, this project could easily be $1 million. Sales of ad space could offset part of this, but if not, FIRST would be using a big part of its annual income to put on an infomercial. I don't see it happening. It might be just interesting enough to run on TLC, ESPN2, or the Science Network, but in that case any ad placements would bring a lot less money. I don't think it would be a good use of FIRST's money, unless they could find a corporate sponsor. Even then, what if that corporate sponsor was willing to underwrite a $500,000 program -- wouldn't you rather use that money to fund 50 new FRC or 300 new FTC teams? I would.