Uneasiness stirs among UM broadcasters New group’s rep seeks to quell concerns

ORONO – A recently negotiated deal between the University of Maine and Learfield Communications Inc. has generated some uneasiness among officials at UMaine’s television and radio flagship stations, but Learfield’s local representatives say there’s nothing to worry about.

“It’s pretty much business as usual for us,” said Mike McCollum, UMaine’s former director of corporate sales who is now Learfield’s general manager of Black Bear Sports Properties. “I’m still in the same chair in the same office in the same trailer behind Memorial Gym.”

The only difference, McCollum agreed, is the signature on his paycheck each week.

Concerns stem from the fact that under Learfield’s new six-year deal with UMaine, the Missouri-based multimedia rights management company will handle the bidding and decision process that awards exclusive radio and TV rights for Black Bear sports.

“We don’t know what this means to us yet,” said Steve Hiltz, program director for Bangor TV station WABI (Channel 5). “We’ve received reassurance from the university that they’re happy with our relationship, but there’s always a concern when you’re dealing with a new party.”

Another concern, according to Hiltz, is the possibility that Learfield and UMaine might have an interest in expanding UMaine’s broadcast presence beyond the state borders.

“It might be that they would have an interest in expanding national coverage by setting up more college sports networks like CSTV [satellite network College Sports TV] or ESPNU,” Hiltz explained.

That might lead to a de-emphasis of locally produced coverage.

“I think that’s a legit concern,” Hiltz said, “But we don’t have a lot of information regarding that as of yet, so we’re not sure what to expect. We’re going to meet with these guys in a week or so to address concerns and see what’s going on.”

Jeff Solari, a play-by-play announcer and afternoon show host for Bangor all-sports radio station WZON (620 AM), met with Learfield representatives a little over two weeks ago.

Solari said his concern would be that current satellite technology makes it possible and possibly profitable for out-of-state chains or conglomerates to acquire TV or radio rights, broadcast the signal on satellite, and make it available to individual listeners and/or stations that could take it and broadcast it on their own over-the-air network.

“Learfield has a broadcast hub in Arkansas and they can put broadcasts on satellite radio to be picked up by satellite radio listeners as well as licensed stations on their local signals,” Solari explained. “I would say it’s possible and it’s a concern, but I also think we’re flexible and willing to work with them and we think there’s a track record with Maine and us that can be built on even more.”

UMaine’s current radio and TV contracts both expire at the conclusion of the 2006-07 academic year (June 30, 2007). That gives Learfield officials such as McCollum and east regional vice-president Steve Gowan plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the broadcast landscape in Penobscot County and the entire state as well as the concerns of UMaine, TV, and radio officials.

“Having a year to get everything settled is great for us because we can take our time and do things without rushing,” McCollum said. “There are obviously questions and concerns out there, but I don’t know if anything’s going to change.”

With technological advancements making the Internet and satellite TV and radio more viable and accessible to fans, local concerns include the possibilities that an out-of-state satellite company or radio chain could become a player and secure broadcast rights.

“I’m not an expert in television or radio, but could it happen? Yes, I suppose. I mean, anything can happen, but I don’t know exactly what might be the case,” McCollum said. “Could we have a new kind of arrangement? Sure, but I know that if you look at all of Learfield’s schools all around the country, they’ve got a local radio partner.”

McCollum says Learfield has avoided the “cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all” approach when negotiating similar deals for its 30-plus other collegiate partners across the country.

“I’ve been here three years and from my experience and perspective, I know WZON and WABI and you couldn’t ask for two better partners,” he said.

McCollum said his personal feeling is that UMaine’s athletic department will be the “leader” in the next bidding/request for proposal (RFP) process with Learfield following behind. Although the basic language of the advertising/sponsorship deal gives Learfield the authority to manage all multimedia rights packages for UMaine, the broadcast rights RFP process will likely be a collaborative effort between both parties.

“UMaine and Learfield are two separate organizations, but they’re hooked arm in arm,” McCollum said.

Andrew Neff can be reached at 990-8205, 1-800-310-8600 or at aneff@bangordailynews.net