September/October 2020 - 49

For Smith and Millard West, the benefits of teaming
up with a streaming service platform were twofold. The
educational aspect and the hands-on experience, first
and foremost, stood out with the school's broadcast
journalism class. Students from Millard West broadcast
the game with play-by-play callers and color commentators
and allows for opportunities to work with cameras and
production in addition to on-air content. Secondly, with the
spread-out nature of the state, some teams must travel at
least 45 minutes for road games. Having an easy-access
streaming service allows schools to be good neighbors -
helping the metaphorical parents rushing from work to
catch their son or daughter's game.
" It's been a big benefit to visiting fans if they're dealing
with traffic or weather or whatever else comes up in life, "
Smith said. " And has definitely increased the exposure of
our broadcast journalism class. "
Currently, Millard West is not charging fans to access
games via its stream, but administrators have explored
the idea of pay-per-view events that are hidden behind
a paywall in the future. While all regular-season games
are free to view, all postseason games in Nebraska are
contractually aired through the NFHS Network, which is
behind a paywall.
" We're not worried about the broadcast affecting our
revenue, " Smith said. " Our approach has been 'Let's get it
out there and show people there's a reason to come to these
games.' If we can show that our teams are doing well and
show the experience of the stadium is an attractive one, that
may draw people to the game that wouldn't have otherwise. "
Like anything new to people, it takes time for it to be
accepted. And with time, the fans of Millard West's athletic
programs have come to expect the streams, according to
Smith. He even mentioned that a local bar and grille would
show the games at its establishment.
Much like the residual effects felt by Millard West's
broadcast journalism class, Smith said his previous
school, York High School, also took full advantage of the
streaming opportunity.
" Out in York, (which is a) big agriculture community,
we had a big FAA (Future Farmers of America) program
and had a classroom with pigs. And one time, we had a pig
that was giving birth to piglets, and the whole process was
streamed. Cumulatively, it was our most-streamed video, "
Smith said. " We've also used it for things like graduations
and musicals if licensing goes to plan. "
Streamlining the Process
Newark Catholic High School in Newark, Ohio, started
back up on a full in-person school year on August 24. The
Ohio High School Athletic Association giving the greenlight
for all non-contact sports hosting full seasons. And
other sports like football, soccer, and field hockey are
expected to play a truncated season, Newark Catholic
Choose #127 online
Choose #128 online
COACHAD.COM 49
http://www.COACHAD.COM
September/October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2020
