Georgia Southern Athletics Looks to Expand Reach

STATESBORO, Ga. - Beginning with the new fiscal year Georgia Southern Athletics will implement its plan to integrate its broadcast rights, marketing and website assets. The comprehensive plan takes into consideration existing and new platforms available for the promotion of Eagle Athletics. The collaborative effort marks the return of the operation of the Georgia Southern Radio Network to the athletics department with further enhancements to the website and social media efforts.

"It was the right time to take stock of our current broadcasting, communication and marketing assets and discuss the areas where we felt like we could make improvements," said Director of Athletics Sam Baker. "Looking to the future, we are making investments in these areas to benefit all of our programs with the goal of expanding the reach of Georgia Southern Athletics."

The Georgia Southern Radio Network will be headquartered in the Athletics Department with announcement of a new flagship station in the coming weeks. Coverage of Eagle Football on affiliates across the state and local broadcasts of other athletics events will be complemented by online presentations of games, weekly coaches' shows, special programming, and other features on Eagle Vision.

Chris Blair, the director of network operations for Georgia Eagle Media since 2006, joins the Georgia Southern Athletic Department as Director of Broadcasting. Blair will continue to handle play-by-play duties for Eagle football and men's basketball games while managing the radio network, affiliate relationships and sales.

The creation of an area in the athletics department dedicated to new media focuses on information distributed on social media platforms as well as video content on GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com. This venture, managed by Rose Carter, will provide fans with expanded coverage of their favorite teams and student-athletes. Information products will be retooled or created and highlighted through front-page features with new and additional marketing inventory available for sponsors and advertisers.

Corporate sponsorships, marketing and promotions activities in support of athletics, events and tickets sales fall under the purview of new Athletics Marketing Director Matthew Taylor. Continuing to provide value with sponsorships and other partnerships, Taylor and his staff will also work to enhance game day atmosphere and fan experience. Athletics Marketing will collaborate with New Media to promote games and events to the campus and community and connect with fans.

Georgia Southern fans can stay up to date with the latest information on their Eagle teams by visiting GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com. Mobile users can access a basic html version of the athletics website at m.georgiasoutherneagles.com while website headlines and article links are available on twitter.com/GSAthletics and facebook.com/GSAthletics.

Category: Athletics

Published on Wednesday, 29 June 2011 19:25