Game-Changing Season Ahead for FOX Sports South and SportSouth
In 1969 Ted Turner purchased a struggling UHF station, WJRJ Atlanta, channel 17, and changed the call sign to WTCG (Turner Communications Group). Over the next eight years that station would acquire the television rights to the Atlanta Braves; Turner would eventually buy the Braves and by 1979, WTCG would be rebranded WTBS. WTBS….those television station call letters would became synonymous with something called a “SuperStation.”
B.J. Upton Atlanta Braves
Jeff Genthner Now, whether your career is in media or sports, everyone reading this newsletter has Senior Vice President, benefited at some level from Ted Turner’s entrepreneurial boldness. Turner was a game-changer. General Manager
And with the recent announcement that the FOX Sports regional networks have acquired the last of the Braves games distributed on Peachtree TV (WPCH, formerly WTBS), 2013 will mark the first MLB season since 1973 that the Atlanta Braves will not be televised locally on a Turner-branded network. With great respect to the 40-year history of the Braves and WTBS, we believe this acquisition will be significant for fans throughout Braves Country. Beginning this season, 152 Braves baseball games will be seen throughout the Southeast on either FOX Sports South or SportSouth, and these games will be presented with the largest team of broadcasters and game reporters to date. In addition, for the first season ever, every locally televised Braves game will have an expanded pre-game and post-game show with Braves LIVE.
Tony Allen and Mike Conley Memphis Grizzlies
There’s no doubt that 2013 will be a “game-changer” for Braves fans everywhere. Our coverage kicked off with the debut of the 2013 Atlanta Braves Season Preview that will air throughout the month, and continues with DRIVEN: The Chipper Jones Story, premiering tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET. We will also carry live coverage of six spring training telecasts beginning on March 13.
There is only one thing left to say… “Play Ball!”
Cam Ward and Eric Staal Carolina Hurricanes
FOX Sports South and SportSouth Acquire 45 Braves Games Braves LIVE, the 30-minute pre-game and expanded post-game show, will provide in depth coverage before and after every game on FOX Sports South and SportSouth. Host Jerome Jurenovich will be joined by analysts and former Braves Brian Jordan, and new in 2013, Paul Byrd. Braves LIVE will broadcast on location at Turner Field for all home game telecasts, with exclusive reports from inside the clubhouse and around the ballpark from Tom Hart with Elizabeth Moreau. For road contests, Braves LIVE will originate from FOX Sport South’s Atlanta-based studio.
As the new exclusive local television home of the Atlanta Braves, FOX Sports South and SportSouth will televise 152 games in 2013, 72 match-ups FOX Sports South and 80 on SportSouth. Play-by-play announcer Chip Caray and analyst Joe Simpson partner for their fourth season on FOX Sports South and SportSouth to bring viewers the games. Caray enters his tenth season calling Braves games, while Simpson returns for his twenty-second year in the booth. Braves’ legends Tom Glavine and Dale Murphy will join Caray and Simpson as guest analysts throughout the season.
Freddie Freeman
Mon, April 1 Wed, April 3 Thur, April 4 Fri, April 5 Sat, April 6 Sun, April 7 Mon, April 8
Braves Early Regular Season TV Schedule
vs. Phillies vs. Phillies vs. Phillies vs. Cubs vs. Cubs vs. Cubs @ Marlins
7:00 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET 7:30 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET 1:30 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET
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FSSO FSSO SPSO FSSO FSSO FSSO SPSO
Tue, April 9 Wed, April 10 Fri, April 12 Sun, April 14 Tue, April 16 Wed, April 17 Thu, April 18
@ Marlins @ Marlins @ Nationals @ Nationals vs. Royals vs. Royals @ Pirates
7:00 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET 1:30 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET 12:00 p.m. ET 7:00 p.m. ET
FSSO FSSO FSSO FSSO FSSO FSSO SPSO
The 2012-13 NBA Season Bounces Into Second Half
Smith Staying With Atlanta Hawks
After much speculation, forward Josh Smith will continue to call Philips Arena home as the trade-deadline passed and he remained with the Atlanta Hawks. Smith leads the Hawks, who sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, with 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds a game. Center/Forward Al Horford is adding 16.4 points and 9.8 rebounds. Guard Jeff Teague represented the Hawks during All-Star Weekend in the NBA Skills competition.
Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague
Grizzlies Stay Hot With New Players
Young Bobcats Continue To Improve
With the trade-deadline behind them, the Memphis Grizzlies will continue its march towards the 2012-13 playoffs. Forward Zach Randolph, an All-Star selection, continues to dominate the league with 15.6 points and 11.6 rebounds a game. Newcomer Tayshaun Prince is fitting in and putting up 9.6 points a game in a Grizzlies uniform. In a last minute deadline deal, the Grizzlies acquired center Dexter Pittman from the Miami Heat for a 2013 second round draft pick.
The Charlotte Bobcats opened up the second half of the season with a 105-92 win at Orlando on February 19 behind 24 points each from Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson. Walker just keeps improving, averaging 17.4 points and dishing out 5.6 assists a game. Super-sub Ramon Sessions is adding 15 points a contest off the bench. The Bobcats welcomed former Duke forward Josh McRoberts, who was acquired from the Magic in a deadline-deal.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince
Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker
Predators, Hurricanes Seasons Racing Along We are a month and a half in to the hockey season and the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes have shown they will make runs at playoff spots. Hockey fans around the Southeast have been receiving numerous games as they look for their hockey fix on FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas, FOX Sports Tennessee and SportSouth.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne leads the NHL with three shutouts this season.
The Hurricanes goaltender Dan Ellis is second in the league with a .943 save percentage and fifth with a 1.74 goals against average.
Despite battling through injuries to some of the team’s key players, the Carolina Hurricanes have put together a strong finish to February and maintained the top spot in the Southeastern Division. The top line of Eric Staal, Jiri Tlusty and Alexander Semin has played a significant role in the Hurricanes recent success. With Jeff Skinner out due to a concussion, Tlusty has stepped up into his spot on the top line and was recently named the NHL’s “Third Star of the Week” after scoring four goals, two assists and was plus-6 over a three-game span. As the Canes are getting healthy, they will be put to the test in these upcoming weeks where they will play nine games in 15-day period.
Pekka Rinne has shined in goal for the Nashville Predators and is among the league leaders in his goals against average and save percentage. But the goaltending will need some help from the offense, which ranks last in the league in goals-pergame. Forward Colin Wilson has given the offense a recent spark, as he has averaged more than a point-per-game with 13 points in the month of February and has contributed to 13 of the last 26 goals. Defensively, the Predators have one of the league’s best penalty kill units. In their past eight games, the Predators have killed 91 percent of the penalties taken and are ranked third in the NHL when at home.
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The Panel Returns To FOX Sports South
As the NFL Draft approaches, top prospects including Keenan Allen, E.J. Manuel and Giovani Benard will sit before The Panel, made up of current and former NFL stars Tim Couch, Takeo Spikes, Dorsey Levens and Ovie Mughelli, and answer the tough questions as they prepare for the biggest day of their lives. The Panel debuts Monday, March 18 at 10:00 p.m. on FOX Sports South. The Panelists Tim Couch – Former No. 1 overall draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, All-American quarterback at the University of Kentucky. Takeo Spikes – 15-year NFL linebacker, played last season for the San Diego Chargers. Two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, All-American linebacker at Auburn University. Dorsey Levens – Played 11 seasons in the NFL, a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowl running back during his days with Green Bay. Played college football at Notre Dame before transferring to Georgia Tech. Ovie Mughelli –A former Pro Bowl fullback that played 10 NFL seasons for the Ravens, Falcons and Rams. Played college football at Wake Forest where he was a first team All-ACC selection.
The Players E.J. Manuel – Quarterback – Florida State Only the second quarterback in college football history to lead his team to four bowl victories. Was named MVP of the Senior Bowl and is NFL.com’s fourth-rated QB in the class of 2013. Giovani Bernard – Running Back – North Carolina Led the nation in all-purpose yardage for a running back in the 2012 college football season. NFL.com’s top-rated RB in the class of 2013. (Pictured left). Keenan Allen – Wide Receiver – California Cal’s all-time leader in receptions, even though he played just three seasons. Is NFL.com’s top-rated WR in the class of 2013. (Pictured far left). David Amerson – Defensive Back – North Carolina State Set an ACC record with 13 interceptions as a sophomore during the 2011 season. NFL.com’s seventh-rated cornerback in the class of 2013. D.J. Swearinger – Safety – South Carolina This defensive captain led the Gamecocks with 80 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 2012. He is NFL.com’s fourth-rated safety in the class of 2013.
Spring Training with The Atlanta Braves
Outfielder Jason Heyward in front of the green screen for FOX Sports South.
Outfielders and brothers B.J. and Justin Upton pose for a photo on the field.
Spring Training is underway for the 2013 Atlanta Braves and FOX Sports South/SportSouth was in Orlando to kick off the season with the team. During the first week of Spring Training, the FOX Sports South team interviewed players for the 2013 Atlanta Braves Season Preview, which will air throughout the month on SportSouth. Interviews, photos and special fly-on-the-wall videos were also featured on www.foxsportsouth.com as well as the official FOX Sports South and SportSouth Facebook and Twitter pages. Braves fans will also get an early look at the team with six spring training games scheduled to air on either FOX Sports South or SportSouth beginning with the March 13th game at Miami (schedule on right).
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FOX Sports South interviews Braves GM Frank Wren for the Atlanta Braves 2013 Preview Show.
Braves Spring Training On TV Wed, March 13 Thur, March 14 Fri, March 15 Sat, March 16 Wed, March 20 Thur, March 21
@ Miami @ St. Louis vs. NY Mets vs. NY Yankees vs. Pittsburgh vs. Washington
7:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 5:00 p.m. ET 1:00 p.m. ET 6:00 p.m. ET
FSSO SPSO FSSO FSSO FSSO SPSO
All times are subject to change.
FOX Sports South shoots video of the Upton brothers.
College Basketball Teams Positioning Themselves For Postseason Play
Florida guard Mike Rosario and the Gators continue to lead the SEC.
AP Top 25 - As of 3/4/13 1 Gonzaga (51) 29-2 2 Indiana (7) 25-4 3 Duke (5) 25-4 4 Kansas 25-4 5 Georgetown (2) 23-4 6 Miami (FL) 23-5 7 Michigan 24-5 8 Louisville 24-5 9 Kansas State 24-5 10 Michigan State 22-7 11 Florida 23-5 12 New Mexico 25-4 13 Oklahoma State 22-6 14 Ohio State 21-7 15 Marquette 21-7 16 Saint Louis 23-5 17 Syracuse 22-7 18 Arizona 23-6 19 Oregon 23-6 20 Pittsburgh 23-7 21 VCU 23-6 22 Wisconsin 20-9 23 UCLA 22-7 24 Notre Dame 22-7 25 Memphis 25-4
Elijah Johnson and the Kansas Jayhawks look to make another run to the Final Four.
Miami guard Shane Larkin and the Hurricanes are the suprise team of 2012-13.
Who will play in 2013 Final Four? The 2012-13 college basketball season has shaped up to be one of the most exciting and most competitive seasons to date. Let’s see who our FOX Sports South announcers think will be playing to cut down the nets this April inside the Georgia Dome.
Dan Bonner
Dave Neal
College Basketball Analyst Michigan State Georgetown
College Basketball Play-by-Play
Indiana Gonzaga
Indiana Duke
Bob Rathbun
Debbie Antonelli
College Basketball/Hawks Play-by-Play Michigan State Michigan
College Basketball Analyst
Indiana Gonzaga
Louisville Indiana
Mike Gminski
Miami Florida
College Basketball Analyst
Indiana Florida
Miami Butler
Eddie Fogler
College Basketball Analyst Michigan State Louisville Michigan Gonzaga
Dave Baker
College Basketball Analyst Indiana Gonzaga
Syracuse Florida
Elizabeth Moreau
College Basketball Analyst
Miami Florida
Michigan State Louisville Indiana Syracuse
NCAA Women’s Basketball Minute with Debbie Antonelli How do you think the season-ending injury to Duke’s guard Chelsea Gray will impact their postseason chances? Duke has depth and is a Final Four caliber team even without Gray. It’s a significant loss because she is skilled, experienced and was having a good year. I know Duke doesn’t make excuses about injuries so this will give Alexis Jones, a player that will have the ball in her hands more, a chance to show what she can do. She is talented, can handle the ball, and her athleticism will make up for her lack of experience. Who are your 2012-13 Women’s Basketball Player of the Year candidates? Brittany Griner, the Baylor 6’8” center is the best player in the game. There are other really good players that have bad timing for individual awards. What did we learn from the huge Baylor-UConn game in mid-February? Not much really!! Baylor is good and UConn is one of three teams that might be able to compete. Griner and Odyssey Sims can take over a game. FOX Sports South Analyst Who are your favorites to be playing at the 2013 Final Four in New Orleans? Debbie Antonelli Baylor, UConn, Notre Dame, and I have believed in Kentucky all season and I’m sticking with them. Go Cats! How has junior forward Chiney Ogwumike’s performance this year impacted Stanford’s success? A’dia Mathies Chiney is an amazing athlete who has rounded out a complete skill set around the rim. She is the reason Stanford is in position to make it a sixth consecutive Final Four. She has a motor on the Kentucky Wildcats glass and is a tough check because she runs the floor and can finish in transition.
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Successful Run For The NEW College Football Show: Next Class 2013 The NEW College Football Show: Next Class 2013 premiered on FOX Sports South Monday, January 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET. The show was hosted by Desmond Purnell and FOX Sports Next national recruiting analysts Chad Simmons and Jamie Newberg.
(L-R) Desmond Purnell, Jamie Newberg and Chad Simmons on set.
(L-R) Juwaan Williams (FSU), Alex Collins (Arkansas) and Reuben Foster (Alabama). Collins and Foster both commited live on air.
Chad Simmons interviewed the nation’s top prospect Robert Nkemdiche leading up to National Signing Day for the show.
During the five weeks the show aired, The NEW College Football Show: Next Class 2013 generated a far reaching conversation over Twitter. There were nearly 1,000 tweets with more than 1 million accounts reached and 2 million impressions just over the course of the final week of the series.
Catching Up with the FOX Sports South Girls
Canicka represented FOX Sports South in New Orleans during the Super Bowl.
Brittany (right) was part of a group of FOX Sports Girls and baseball players to visit Grafenwohr, Germany, to bring spring training to the troops.
Canicka asking sports fans questions in the French Quarter during Super Bowl weekend.
Brittany and former Atlanta Braves outfielder David Justice represented FOX Sports South in Germany.
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DRIVEN: The Chipper Jones Story Debuts Tonight On SportSouth The story of future Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones, is coming to SportSouth this March with the debut of DRIVEN: The Chipper Jones Story presented by Cadillac tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET. Narrated by Pete Van Wieren, the show chronicles Jones’ rise to fame and lasting legacy through stories told by his parents and other influential members from his life and career. Jones takes SportSouth through the many memorable moments in his career from his rookie year in 1996, an MVP season in 1999, his 400 career home runs and his remarkable final season in 2012.
Chipper Jones on Draft Day with his parents Larry and Lynne.
DRIVEN: The Chipper Jones Story will re-air throughout the month of March on SportSouth and FOX Sports South. Chipper Jones talks about his story with Tom Hart.
FOX Sports South On Instagram
Follow FOX Sports South throughout the Braves Season on Instagram: @FOXSportsSouth
The Braves new outfield: Jason Heyward, B.J. Upton and Justin Upton.
Justin Upton talks with FOX Sports South.
The view through the FOX Sports South camera lens.
New third baseman Chris Johnson taking ground balls.
Jason Heyward talks with FOX Sports South.
Jonny Venters getting ready for his close up on Braves photo day.
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Meet The Newest Members Of The FOX Sports South Team The FOX Sports South team welcomed Rolanda Gaines this February to Atlanta. Gaines will serve as the new Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at FOX Sports South, FOX Sports Carolinas, FOX Sports Tennessee and SportSouth. She will oversee the strategic planning and execution of on-air promotions, off-channel marketing, joint marketing with team partners, and communications including public relations and social media.
Rolanda Gaines
Gaines brings over 15 years of domestic and international experience in sports, media and consumer products to FOX Sports. Prior to joining FOX Sports, Gaines served as Senior Director, Strategy, for ESPN Content Development, a production arm charged with the creation of domestic and international content. She was responsible for creating and executing strategic plans to engage new audiences, grow ratings, and drive organic sponsorship opportunities for original content programming.
Also joining the FOX Sports South / SportSouth family is Barbara Shaw. She will serve as Jeff Genthner’s Executive Administrative Assistant. Shaw replaces Camille Ferguson who was recently promoted to Senior Marketing Coordinator. Shaw spent the last three years at Turner Broadcasting initially as the local/national sales coordinator for Peachtree TV and more recently as the Executive Assistant to the SVP of US Network Operations. Prior to Turner, Shaw was an Executive Assistant to the VP/GM and National Brand manager at Big League Broadcasting, the entity that owned/managed sports talk radio 790 The Zone in Atlanta. Her prior work experience includes marketing and event management roles at cable networks and production companies in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Barbara Shaw
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