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It's Possible To Broadcast Games
Dear Editor:
I am responding to the letters of Mr. Scoufos (Oct. 9 issue) and Grant Merrill (Oct. 14 issue). They both seem to have some misinformation about broadcasting Sallisaw Black Diamond football games.
First, The Sallisaw Board of Education does not have a written policy on broadcasting sporting events. Mr. Merrill's suggested policy is a good idea; would there not be a larger audience if the away games were broadcast as well as home games? Gate receipts and attendance should not be hurt by a broadcast. If we were concerning about gate receipts and attendance as much as they believe, we would stop giving the Free Pass to anyone over 60 to all our school events. Black Diamond fans look forward to attending our home games, it is evident by the large crowds. We appreciate the support for the team.
Second, this season, neither the Principal, Athletic Director nor myself have a formal request from a radio station to broadcast our games. We did have a station from Muskogee broadcast two seasons ago and only did a few home games. Last basketball season we did have some live broadcast of our home games. The station made the request to the Athletic Director and it was granted.
Third, if you have been to a Sallisaw game you noticed the new press box, it is designed with a room for broadcasting and a telephone line is installed for that purpose. It is ready to go.
Local business and professional people will be asked to buy advertising to pay for the broadcast. Whether the station is in Fort Smith or Muskogee that is where their advertising dollars will go. It is their choice to spend their money where they wish. It seems any station willing to take money from the community would be willing to make a good contribution to the Sallisaw Football Booster Club at seasons end.
A formal request would be better than a misinformed editorial. We could have a broadcast yet.
Thank you for your support of the Diamonds.
Ronald E. Wyrick
Superintendent, Sallisaw Public Schools
