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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

Behind the scenes of Pac-12 production

Every year, millions of college football fans across the U.S. wait in anticipation for the start of the football season. For those fans that have the Pac-12 Networks in their households, they are able to watch games all season long from the comfort of their homes.

What viewers do not realize is the behind-the-scenes process required to showcase an athletic event on live television. Each week, it takes countless hours of preparation to put on the perfect Pac-12 Conference broadcast.

The live broadcasts first begin with the production team. The team travels each week to a new city with a production truck. Inside the truck, there is a myriad of chords, buttons, microphones and televisions that helps the team transmit the game to the viewer’s television. In short, this is where the bulk of the work takes place.

The team is able to project live stats, instant replay, slow-motion and interviews, among other things, for the fans to view at home.

Pac-12 football analyst Yogi Roth, who covered the game between the University of Nevada and the UA this weekend, spoke on the importance of the Pac-12 production team.

“The production team truly gives their heart, soul and incredible skills to our truck,” Roth said. “They never get the credit they deserve, but they always make it all happen.”

Long-time sports broadcaster Lewis Johnson, who was also reporting at the game this weekend, also praised the network and production team.

“The people I work with are tremendous,” Johnson said. “There is no question that the Pac-12 Network is on the rise.”

Roth and Johnson also put in a considerable amount of preparation into their live broadcasts. Like the production team, each week they travel to a new city to cover Pac-12 games across the West Coast. For each university they visit, they study past games, review stats and analyze key player’s game history.

“We all bring the same passion for live television,” Johnson said. “It is our job to execute our roles so we can have a flawless broadcast that people at home can enjoy.” Roth and Johnson’s jobs include interviewing coaches and players, giving commentary and analysis throughout the game and featuring stories of athletes, fans and universities.

“It is my job each week to coach the viewer at home, as well as celebrate the student athletes,” Roth said. “The Pac-12 Network is best in class and it is an amazing brand.”

—Follow Daniela Vizcarra @vizcarra_dw

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