NAU athletics gets nationwide stage

Northern Arizona University Television Services has embarked on an unprecedented live broadcast schedule that will feature Lumberjack athletics nationwide, reaching millions of viewers.

The live television coverage began last month and will continue through March.

NAU TV Services will broadcast each of the events live from Flagstaff on the DISH Network (Universityhouse Channel 9411). The telecasts also will be picked up by Fox College Sports on one of its three national digital cable stations. The FCS network reaches more than 14 million homes.

In addition, FSN Arizona has agreed to air many of the productions either live or tape-delayed to more than 2.5 million cable subscribers across Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Brandon Smith, associate director of TV Services, calls the broadcast schedule an ambitious undertaking. "We're very excited to be able to provide this type of exposure to the university," he said. "Our agreement with Fox Sports allows us to maintain a significant portion of the pomotional time during each broadcast, giving us the opportunity to highlight many of the degree programs offered."

NAU football, men's and women's basketball, soccer and volleyball will be featured during the broadcast season.

A complete broadcast schedule can be found at www.nauathletics.com.

"The exposure for our programs is unprecedented for a Division I program our size," said men's basketball coach Mike Adras. "We are looking forward to highlighting Northern Arizona University and our student-athletes across the country. The extensive live television exposure also gives NAU broadcast and communication students extraordinary hands-on instruction.

"Our students perform every aspect of live sports broadcasts," Smith said. "That's an opportunity usually reserved for experienced professionals, and we're pleased to be able to offer this educational experience. The exposure will be a boon to student recruitment across all programs."