Kansas State University Athletics
Mid-America Ag Network Awarded Wildcat Radio Rights
Dec 21, 2001 | General
Dec. 21, 2001
Manhattan, Kan. - Kansas State Athletics has awarded its radio broadcast rights to the Mid-America Ag Network, it was announced Friday by K-State Athletics Director Tim Weiser.
The five-year contract, which begins in July 2002, will guarantee Kansas State $6 million. That amount is nearly 400 percent more than the rights fee from the existing agreement.
"We went through an open bidding process that lasted some six months," Weiser said. "Through the process we were pleased to learn that the value of the rights to Kansas State athletic events had grown significantly.
"We are very pleased that we have been able to enter into a new partnership with a Kansas-based company that understands both the radio business and our fan base. Through this partnership, we intend to continue to provide high-quality service to our fans.
"This radio-rights guarantee, combined with the revenue we generate in-house through television, corporate sponsorships and signage, elevates our total multimedia revenues from the bottom third of the Big 12 into the top half."
The Mid-America Ag Network, owned by Larry Steckline, currently has 40 affiliate stations in Kansas and Nebraska. Based in Wichita, the network currently provides agricultural, regional and state news on stations that provide a variety of formats throughout the state, both on AM and FM.
The new agreement provides the opportunity for current affiliate stations to continue broadcasting Wildcat events.
"We are extremely pleased to be associated with Kansas State University and the athletic department," said Steckline. "We're excited to be bringing the fans of Kansas State sports, crystal clear digital-quality sports broadcasts. This partnership is a perfect fit for our network and the university.
"Our team is ready to expand the coverage of K-State sports in Kansas, as well as regionally. We couldn't be more pleased."
The status of the broadcast talent for various sports was not finalized as of Friday morning.
"The contract allows Kansas State to have final approval on all broadcast talent, and we don't foresee any changes in that area," Weiser said.
In addition, the new agreement calls for comprehensive broadcast coverage of the state of Kansas, affording Wildcat fans throughout the state the ability to continue to listen to Kansas State athletic events. In addition, the agreement will enable MAAN to offer digital-quality broadcasts, as well as the chance to provide radio coverage on the athletic department web site, k-statesports.com.
"We have enjoyed and appreciate our relationship with the Wildcat Sports Network through the years," Weiser said. "They have been a great partner for a number of years. We hope to continue our relationship with as many of our current affiliates as we can to provide continuity for Wildcat fans throughout the state."
No change in the current affiliate list will take place until after the 2001-02 men's and women's basketball seasons.
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