It is said that the true measure of success is being a constant presence on television. The UB men's basketball team has shown their achievements on the court and in the Mid-American Conference standings, but cannot make it onto the magic picture box. The lack of exposure is detrimental to their image and must be remedied.
There is no quick way to get on area television, as there are several hurdles that must be passed. Financially, the station that broadcasts the games, Empire Sports Network, is in turmoil. The network was previously owned by former Adelphia CEO John Rigas, who is currently on trial in federal court for allegedly bilking the company out of millions of dollars.
Once the money problem is addressed either by Empire lowering costs or the NCAA giving the MAC more money to increase exposure, there is the question of production costs. Currently, it is impossible for the school to broadcast live games. That is not a necessity for a variety of reasons. As football head coach Jim Hofher asks, "Why televise that into the rooms of the students when they can attend this happening live?" The goal should be to make students come out for games.
If the games are taped and shown on one of the channels, either at a specific time or rotated throughout the day, everyone will be able to see the games, and it might even increase attendance of students who want to be on television.
Another possibility is televising road games. Obviously it would depend on what capabilities other schools have and it would still be impossible to see the games live, but it would do wonders for connecting the students to the team. It might be shallow to only show road games where UB teams win, but the goal is to promote the winning image and have students be aware that the team is excelling.
The success of the teams and their popularity is largely a snowball process. The little push of winning games affects attendance, national recognition and other non-sports aspects of the school. Those elements all affect each other, and they build and develop exponentially. One of the key elements of that process, both in what causes it and what it affects it, is a television presence.
There are many seeds in place for the UB sports program to grow. Success builds success, and excitement creates exciteme?Ae?nt. The school and athletic departments should do all they can in order to show the games on television in any capacity. Airing of games will serve every party, being beneficial to the program, the school and most importantly, the students.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
