That is a good question. It has often been stated that The Uconn Women's games have been the "most successful program on any PBS station in the country." Does that mean financially, % of viewers, etc.? In an article in the Hartford Courant last Fall, it was stated that Bob Yalen(former ESPN and ABC sports executive would be the director of the new Sports Channel. Also, of note, was that Lew Perkins(former A.D. of Uconn + Kansas) would be the chief fundraiser. It was also stated by Jerry Franklin that there would be "direct sponsorships" as well as fund raising and membership appeals. The article did say that they would televise "a few games this year."
Hello 'Yarders.
I just saw this post and will try to consolidate all of the questions into this one answer.
On the original post: UConn Women's Basketball is not leaving CPTV for CPTV Sports. CPTV Sports is simulcasting all of our Geno Shows and games, and also replaying games. So let's settle that one right now!
As to the rest:
CPTV has the only contract of its kind for college women's basketball in the country. It has been (and still may be) singularly the most successful ongoing LOCAL initiative in the history of public television. That is measured in terms of ratings and in terms of dollars raised to support the initiative (which may also be one of the most costly local programs in the country). Ericsandiego asked if we were one of the most "profitable" stations. I can't answer that since the term "profitable" can be interpreted many ways. What I can say is that we are recognized as one of the handful of stations that also supplies and presents programming on the national level. We are known nationally for more than basketball.
That being said, CPTV is known far and wide by those involved with women's college basketball to be one of the reasons for the, growth, popularity and awareness of the sport. I just had the pleasure of meeting the great Nancy Lieberman who, when I introduced myself, commented on our program and what we've done to elevate the sport. That is the norm when I meet broadcasters, refs - just about anyone interested or involved in WBB. And Geno will tell you that CPTV and our broadcasts of the game, as well as our Hoop Streams service, is an important recruiting tool.
Now on to CPTV Sports:
Bob Yalen is indeed in charge of CPTV Sports and has set an amazing course for the station. In addition to many of the CIAC sports covered in the past by CTSN, he has made deals to cover a wide array of CT sports including basketball games from University of Hartford, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Central...the list goes on. We will be covering all sorts of college, amateur and professional sports (Rock Cats, Whale and more). UConn baseball, men's and women's soccer, field hockey. Those sports that get very little attention. And of note for you, in January we will be airing the Hall of Fame High School Classic with one of the games featuring UConn recruit Breanna Stewart. There will be talk shows, documentaries and a whole variety of sports and sports-related programming. I cannot say enough about Bob and his vision for what the station will become.
CPTV Sports is not a commercial enterprise. It is a media service of Connecticut Public Broadcasting - one of our digital channels along with CPTV4U. As of now, it is only on Comcast and Cox, but a little birdie told me that it may soon be on Cablevision and over the air in HD. So there will be sponsorships and, at some point, membership requests. And yes, Lew Perkins has come on board to assist in fundraising. Give us some time and watch us grow!
If you have any questions, please contact me at
askharriet@cptv.org. As always, I will respond to your messages.
From all of us at CPTV and CPTV Sports, we wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season.
