|
|
The Radford Sports NetworkIn 1988, Radford University became one of the first NCAA Division I schools to bring its basketball broadcasts in-house. In the process, the University became a pioneer in college sports broadcasting, and created the foundation which helped establish the Radford Sports Network as a leader in collegiate sports broadcasting. Radford basketball is featured on one of the region's top radio stations. WBXV-FM, Radford, (101.7, "The Box"), is a popular station among numerous audiences and features a signal that blankets the New River Valley. In addition, RSN broadcasts may be accessed on the Internet via Broadcast.com (see RU page). The network's new agreement with WBXV, signed in May, 1999, also gives RU's women's basketball squad a commercial radio presence for the first time in school history. Fans may listen to all RU women's basketball post-season games on WBXV. Fans may catch selected regular season women's basketball games and selected baseball games on Radford University campus radio station WVRU-FM (89.9). All sporting events carried by WVRU may also be accessed via WVRU's internet site (click here) The Radford Sports Network has utilized the most recent technology to bring fans the best broadcasts possible. RU's Telecommunications Bureau engineering staff, headed by Randy McCallister, have made bold efforts to put the network at the cutting edge in broadcasting. RU became one of the first school's in America in use ISDN (Integrated Digital Services Network) to distribute game broadcasts in 1994. ISDN technology was used during the network's extenddd coverage of the Highlanders' battle with Duke in this year's NCAA Tournament. In addition, a fiber optic link has been established between the Dedmon Center Arena and the RSN Studios, giving home game broadcasts a truly "live" sound. Radford radio station WBXW-FM (101.7) will begin its fourth full season as the flagship station of the Radford Sports Radio Network. Network coverage commences with "Highlanders Tonight," which begins 30 minutes before tip-off. The "Voice of the Highlanders" Rick Watson, begins his second season as the radio play-by-play. Watson is no stranger to the RSN having served on the radio network over the last five years as a substitute on games that coincided with Radford's television dates. An RU graduate, Watson served the last two years with ISP Sports, working primarily with Virginia Tech's sports network. Watson will also serve as the Director of Broadcasting for Radford. Currently, Watson hosts The Big Dog Sports Talk aired Monday-Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on WFNR (100.7 FM), Watson also spent the last three years serving the New River Valley Radio Partners as their on air sports director and as morning sports announcer. A 1991 graduate of Radford University's school of communications, Watson has called basketball and football play-by-play for the last 8 years. Radford radio station WBXW-FM (101.7, The BOX) will begin its second full season as the flagship station of the Radford Sports Radio Network. Network coverage begins with the Highlanders pre-game show which begins 30 minutes prior to tip-off. Returning for a eighth year as color commentator on the radio network is former RU great Ron Shelburne, a member of the Radford University Sports Hall of Fame. Shelburne, who played at RU from 1987-1991, ranks third all-time at RU with 1,332 career points from 1987-91, and is one of only four Highlander players to total over 1,000 points and over 500 rebounds in a career. Shelburne also handles color commentary for WDBJ-TV during its broadcasts of Highlander basketball. Veteran radio announcer Jim Newberne returns as studio host on all radio broadcasts. Newberne has served as network's studio host and producer since the network's inception. He has worked all of the network's 315 men's broadcasts since the network went on the air in 1988. * Every Radford Sports Network Broadcast begins 30 minutes prior to tip-off. Catch the comments of head coach Ron Bradley, the opposing coach, and Jim Newberne's scoreboard update on Highlanders Tonight, a complete preview of the evening's game. * The Radford Wrap-Up immediately follows each game. Coach Bradley gives his thoughts on the contest during his post-game show, and Jim Newberne recaps the day in college basketball with his final scoreboard update. The First National Bank's Player of the Game hightlights the statistical recap. *The Lady Highlander Update airs during each halftime show. It's your chance to catch up with the ladies and their fortunes in recent games. For more information on the RU Sports Network and potential advertising opportunities, contact Aaron Barter through e-mail at atbarter@radford.edu or call him at (540) 831-5211.
RU Home Page
|
