Let's not stop with CBS

[petek]

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.

[aallen88]

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?

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by aallen88

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?

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.

[Pavan Dave]

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

[ahirsch2589]

a petition would do the trick

[KTorak]

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

[themagic8ball]

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.

[HyPhire111]

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

link enclosed Disney Channel Congrats

[ScoutingNerd175]

Originally Posted by artdutra04

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.

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

[Sgraff_SRHS06]

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.)

[themagic8ball]

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"?).

[RoboticsPhyre]

Originally Posted by aallen88

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?

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.

[aallen88]

Originally Posted by RoboticsPhyre

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.

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.

[DeAnnaC]

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

[David Brinza]

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 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!