Regionals on TV?

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by dlavery

The reason is simple - $$$$

Every year, NASA (and every other sponsor) has to make decisions about how to allocate available resources, which are finite. This year we had to decide whether to use some of those resources to provide NASA TV coverage of a regional competition, or to provide financial support for three additional teams via the regional challenge grants. Was that the right choice? It can be argued either way. The three teams that received the grants obviously would think so. But all the teams and communities around the country that might be exposed to FIRST if we were able to broadcast the regional competitions might see it differently. It can be argued that the potential long-term benefit that could come to the entire FIRST program outweighs the potential short-term benefit of three additional teams in the 2008 competition.

We will face the same decision regarding allocation of (limited) resources next year. Should we make the same prioritization that we did this year? We would be interested in hearing any (constructive) comments and input.

-dave




.

Dave, I believe with NASA being so supportive with the web casting that your support of individual teams is #1. There is an opportunity for people to see FIRST on the web or Discovery Channel (in Canada anyway) that the impact you make on team members is priceless. It would be good if more businesses followed NASA's example because the impact that could be made and spread through individuals can make huge changes in or society.

Discovery Channel in Canada is an official sponsor. They play clips from FRC all year. It is amazing that when I talk about FIRST now that many people speak up and remember the ads. It makes it a lot easier to make connections since Discovery Channel came on board.

[Ryan Dognaux]

Originally Posted by Steve W

Discovery Channel in Canada is an official sponsor. They play clips from FRC all year. It is amazing that when I talk about FIRST now that many people speak up and remember the ads. It makes it a lot easier to make connections since Discovery Channel came on board.

I wonder how hard it would be to get the U.S. Discover Channel on board? Don't get me wrong, I love watching re-runs of Mythbusters and It Takes a Thief, but it seems to me they could actually use something like this to liven up their rerun ridden programming. I think the world can live a few days without seeing hours of How It's Made. And maybe since there's already an 'in' with Discover Channel Canada, perhaps someone could contact the U.S. channel and show them how successful this has been.

[Steve W]

Discovery Channel is an official sponsor of the GTR. They do a complete beginning to end WEBCAST of our event. Unfortunately it has not made public TV. Small steps I say. Discovery Channel does put many spots for advertising FIRST on the TV which really makes an impact. I can't tell you how many people say that they saw the ads when I mention FIRST. It is a slow process but it is making inroads.