FSN, Vikings strike cable deal

[size=18px]FSN, Vikings strike cable deal[/size]

Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
Last update: June 22, 2006 – 11:34 PM

Coach Brad Childress won't have his own television show, but that doesn't mean the Vikings will be keeping a low media profile this season.

It will be announced today that FSN North will become the franchise's first cable partner ever. Neither side would reveal terms of the agreement Thursday.

"We really felt there was a need for additional programming in the marketplace," said Steve LaCroix, the Vikings' vice president of sales and marketing. "This was a good first step toward expanding our broadcast initiatives."

FSN North's plans include a year-round, half-hour show each week that will debut Aug. 24; a half-hour program each weekday during training camp in Mankato (July 28-Aug. 17); live coverage of weekly news conferences; postgame shows following several regular-season games; and coverage from next year's draft party.

Quarterback Brad Johnson has signed a deal with FSN North to be part of the programming. Edina native Ann Carroll, who has been working at the CBS affiliate in St. Louis, will return home to become FSN's primary Vikings reporter.

Mike Dimond, general manager of FSN North, said the weekly show will cover plenty of territory.

"It will expose you to parts of the organization you wouldn't necessarily get exposed to," he said. "Community outreach initiatives, a little bit of what goes on in the front office."

This agreement does not include the team's preseason games. KSTP (Ch. 5) is entering the last year of its contract with the Vikings for those rights; KSTP also will continue airing an hour-long Vikings show at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.

As for Childress, it has been decided he won't have a standalone TV show in 2006.

"We'll look to address that in future seasons," LaCroix said, adding the coach could end up making occasional appearances on KSTP or FSN's programming.

Childress will have a regular presence on radio, appearing on the Vikings' flagship station, KFAN (1130-AM), from 6 to 7 p.m. each Monday during the season. Paul Allen, who calls Vikings' games on the station, will host.

Etc.

• The Vikings were the only NFL team that did not attend the workout for ex-Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks on Thursday at Charlottesville, Va., according to NFL.com. Brooks will be available in the NFL supplemental draft on July 13.

FSN, Vikings strike cable deal

Go Ziggy work that media machine!

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FSN North's plans include a year-round, half-hour show each week that will debut Aug. 24; a half-hour program each weekday during training camp in Mankato (July 28-Aug. 17); live coverage of weekly news conferences; postgame shows following several regular-season games; and coverage from next year's draft party.

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This is going to be great if they do it right!

Getting a half hour show each day from training camp is going to be huge! We will be able to see more of the new players and new veterans, and get more info than the 1 minute the local news channels carry.

The half hour show eack week all year round will be a good thing too.. least it will help keep the fans in touch with the off-season and help stop some of the fairy tales that the TC media try to come up with :lol:

Awesome. I can't wait to set up my DVR so I never miss a show!

This would be nice if I could get some of it on my Dish Network! Maybe that will be next. Ziggy has to know that there are Viking fans everywhere, not just MN?

Hey is this just in Minnesota or anywhere in the North because i have FSN and I am from Toledo?

Probably just local K-Rob.

FSN does a lot of regional broadcasting and local programing.

"FedjeViking" wrote:

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This would be nice if I could get some of it on my Dish Network! Maybe that will be next. Ziggy has to know that there are Viking fans everywhere, not just MN?

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Just add the Fox Sports Network to your DISH network package this football season. :wink:

I believe it's only an extra $5/month.

"singersp" wrote:

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"FedjeViking" wrote:

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This would be nice if I could get some of it on my Dish Network! Maybe that will be next. Ziggy has to know that there are Viking fans everywhere, not just MN?

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Just add the Fox Sports Network to your DISH network package this football season. :wink:

I believe it's only an extra $5/month.

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They only let me get the one for my region (the one from Pittsburgh) the last time I checked. I wanted the local channels from MN, but they said I couldn't even buy them. It sucks! :evil: