By Jay Jones, August 19, 2008
This arrived in my inbox just a little over an hour ago.
I’m not going to make any comments here. I think people will get the point. And it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
But given the recent history of Chambers/KEZI 9, this press release from Oregon State University makes things pretty clear if there is any doubt:
OSU Enters Marketing and Production Agreement with Chambers/KEZI 9
Corvallis – The Oregon State University Department of Athletics and Chambers Communications/KEZI 9 of Eugene have entered into a new marketing and production partnership for the 2008-09 academic year, it was announced Tuesday.
The new deal does not include live coverage of shows or games, but will provide cutting edge video production and presentation. FSN Northwest, the Beavers’ regional television partner on cable and satellite systems, will continue with its current contract.
“Four years ago, KEZI 9 established a Corvallis news bureau to better cover the amazing advancements we’ve had on campus,” Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis said. “Chambers has been a forward-thinking media entity and powerful partner for the university as a whole — now we’ll take advantage of that in athletics.”
KEZI 9 and Chambers Productions will produce recruiting videos, coaches’ interview shows (to air on FSN NW), highlights, special projects, and assist with enhanced videoboard features including acting as a consultant for all video production marketing efforts.
“With Oregon State University in our viewing area, we are pleased that the athletic department approached KEZI 9 and Chambers with such a great partnership plan,” Chambers Communications Chief Operating Officer Dana Siebert said. “We look forward to the opportunity for enhanced coverage of the Beavers in our newscasts, as well as utilizing our production resources to assist OSU with both in-stadium and cable programming.”
The announcement comes just over a week before the 2008 football season opens, in which the Beavers travel to Stanford on Aug. 28. KEZI 9 and other Chambers stations throughout the state have already increased news and programming coverage, and will travel to Stanford Stadium for pre and post-game reports.
bristowduck Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Talking about going to the dark side!!
Todd Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I can’t say I would blame Chambers one bit for turning the other cheek. I’m sure they felt bullied by the Ducks and IMG, and probably feel vindicated now by hooking up with the Beavs. Frankly, if UO is soon to be holding hands with Comcast exclusively for OSN, that leaves most of Oregon (including those with dishes) out of the coverage loop, which could suck for the rest of us (for the OSN road games anyway).
Hank Hosfield Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
The UO just ceded a lot of strategic ground to their rivals, and further alienated untold numbers of local fans and would-be fans that are no longer within their reach. Even worse, they’ve made the Oregon brand seem even more elitist and antithetical to the Oregon Way–values they are eager to trade away for soft dollars. This is the kind of move that will make it feel better for Joe Public to despise Oregon than to embrace them.
Coastal Duck Says:
August 19th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
“What we have here is a failure to . . .”
Well, how about failure to think all the ramifications through before prostituting the U to IMG and the $ god.
This is a total embarrassment.
Luke Says:
August 20th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Let’s not forget all of the money that Carolyn Chambers donated herself to the University. I understand the UO got a ton of money to build a scoreboard and other items, but in the long run I believe this will prove to be a mistake (letting Chambers/KEZI go).
Roadie Says:
August 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Chambers Productions didn’t have much of a choice. They need the work.
Zachary Vishanoff Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
The dicey quality of the arena scam has any business with common sense, like KEZI, distancing themselves from the U.O. NIKE Kilkenny “sustainability” folly.