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Monday, August 17, 2009

Auburn to launch documentary-style football TV show

It's been a slow day so far on the Auburn front, with players having the day off because of the start of classes and beat writers like myself furiously working to finish copy for the newspaper's football tab.

ANYWAY, Auburn did sent out this today about a 30-minute weekly TV show about the inner-workings of the Auburn football team. Will it be as good as HBO's "Hard Knocks"? Honestly, what is? But it sounds like it might be interesting.

Also, the Tigers announced late practice times at 8 ET on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is going to be a real treat for me on deadline. So be sure to check back for updates.

Here's the TV show release from Auburn sports information:
AUBURN LAUNCHES NEW “DOCUMENTARY STYLE” FOOTBALL TV SHOW

AUBURN-The Auburn ISP Sports Network, in association with Authentic Films, is producing a brand new football television show entitled "Auburn Football: Every Day…." The weekly 30-minute show is a reality-based, documentary-style production that will give Tiger fans a never-before look at the inner workings of the Auburn football program. "Auburn Football: Every Day …" will chronicle the Tigers journey from the first day of practice in August through the entire 2009 season. The show will debut on Sept. 4.

"This new show will give Auburn fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at our football team and allow them to relate to our players and coaches in a more personal way," Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs said. "It will appeal to long-time fans and young people alike, and that is our goal in continuing to look for dynamic ways to further strengthen the brand of Auburn football."

"Auburn Football: Every Day…" may be viewed across the state of Alabama and the Southeast on television stations as well as the Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) regional cable network. The show will also be streamed via the internet at www.auburntigers.com. The show will air either Friday nights or Saturday mornings in all markets. Check local listings for show times in your area.

“For the first time, Tiger fans will get an opportunity to see the Auburn football program like it never has before,” Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said. “I think it will give our fans a true sense of what it is like on a daily basis for the coaches, players and staff as we build a foundation for this program.”

The Auburn Football Review television show featuring head football coach Gene Chizik, will continue to air on Sundays across Alabama as well as on regional cable networks including CSS. In existence for over 50 years, The Auburn Football Review will provide fans highlights and Coach Chizik commentary of the Tigers game a day earlier. Check local listings for show times in your area or visit auburntigers.com for a complete list of show times and stations.

“We are committed to continuing the network’s long history of producing high-quality, entertaining and informative television shows,” said Mike Hubbard, President of the Auburn ISP Sports Network. “With the addition of the 'Auburn Football: Every Day…' show, as well as format changes and upgrades to our other shows, we believe that Auburn’s television offerings will be taken to the next level.”

Authentic Films was founded by Jess Atkinson and Joe Schreiber, who combined account for 12 Emmy's. Atkinson is a former NFL placekicker and member of the 1987 Super Bowl Champion Washington Redskins. He also spent 14 years as a sports anchor/reporter with the majority of his career in Washington DC. Schreiber spent 23 years as senior producer of the "George Michael Sports Machine" the longest running locally produced syndicated sports show in television history.

Leading up to the debut on Sept. 4, fans can visit auburntigers.com to catch several weekly webisodes of "Auburn Football: Every Day…" that will be available periodically on the front page of the official Auburn Athletic Department website.

6 comments:

ron mexico said...

This sounds like an excellent idea. These guys continue to come up with ways to get Auburn's name out there, which is impressive. (and they don't use the lane kiffin approach)

Only thing that worries me is if the producers could get a hold of the footage and put a negative spin towards Auburn's image, but Auburn wouldn't allow this show to go on the air if that's the case, right?

ron mexico said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ron mexico said...

Just did a re-read and see the Auburn ISP guys are doing the show... which means to me 100% positive spin but lacking some serious quality.

Marmot said...

I'm shocked no one has thought of this before. Well, maybe no one thought of it before because they didn't want you to see what their players and coaches were like on a day to day basis. If the Auburn program is the fun haven for model citizen players Chizik wants it to be, this could end up being a major recruiting tool and also develop a new fan base. I suspect the NCAA will weigh in on this before too long.

Anonymous said...

I really like this idea. ISP is a legit group. I would be surprised if it is not a top notch production. From the press release it looks like they have brought in some high quality TV guys. Not sure those guys would do it with it being top notch stuff. If it is good the advantage to AU will be great.

War Eagle AC-47 said...

It is a clever idea. I just think the time slots are messed up. Friday night is high school football night. The VERY audience you want to attract is playing ball.

Saturday morning is Game Day. Depending on the time, that could be tough.

If CSS can get Sports South or another widely accessible cable channel to run it at a predictable time slot, this could do more for Auburn recruiting than Fat Club did for Gary Busey.