University of Tennessee Athletics
Host Awards WSMV Vol Network TV Rights
July 9, 2004
University of Tennessee fans will have a new television station to turn to for Vol Network programming in the greater Nashville area beginning this fall. Host Communications announced today a new five-year agreement with WSMV-TV Channel 4 making the top-rated NBC station the new "Home of the Vols" in Middle Tennessee.
"The opportunity to provide our middle Tennessee viewers with more optimal time slots for our coaches shows and to air more Big Orange programming ultimately drove this decision," said Mike Hamilton, UT Athletics Director. "We welcome WSMV as a key affiliate in the Vol Network family."
The new agreement calls for "The Phillip Fulmer Show" to be seen each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. throughout football season. Big Orange basketball moves into the spotlight in early January with the debut of "The Buzz Peterson Show" in an improved Saturday 12 p.m. time period. The Peterson show will be followed each week by "The Pat Summitt Show" at 12:30 p.m. giving middle Tennessee fans a solid hour of
Volunteer hoops highlights. The upcoming 2004-05 season marks the first time the Summitt show has enjoyed an over-the-air clearance in greater Nashville.
In addition to the coaches shows, WSMV has clearances rights for the Vol Network's Inside the Orange spring sports show plus special presentations such as the annual Tennessee football preview.
"The Vol Network is delighted to have WSMV-TV join our line-up of stations," said Steve Early, Host Communications/Vol Network General Manager. We think it is appropriate to have the state's No. 1 sports franchise aligned with Nashville's number one station. "The addition of WSMV gives us arguably the strongest line-up of TV stations in Vol Network history. It is a big win for our viewers, our program, and our sponsors."
Vol Network programming had previously been seen on WKRN-TV Channel 2 for many years, but increased time period constraints and interest from Nashville's top TV station opened the door for discussions with WSMV.
The move to WSMV comes on the heels of the Vol Network inking a new three-year radio agreement with Clear Channel Communications, owner of WLAC-AM 1510 and WNRQ-FM 105.9, both of which will broadcast Vol football games this fall. Lady Vol games will also be heard on WLAC for the first time this season along with UT basketball.
