Boston—WBZ-TV 4 and WSBK-TV/UPN 38, Viacom, Inc.'s Boston's duopoly television stations, and the New England Patriots have reached an agreement under which one of the stations will broadcast the "Fifth Quarter" Patriots post-game show following each of the team's 16 games during the 2003 season.
The agreement marks the first time in the franchise's 43-year history that each televised game will be followed by live coverage of the post game press conferences featuring the team's head coach and players.
"We very much want to be identified as 'The Patriots Station' and the expansion of the 'Fifth Quarter' broadcasts helps us solidify our connection with the team," said Ed Goldman, vice president and general manager of WBZ-TV 4 and UPN 38.
"We are fortunate to have some of the most passionate and loyal sports fans in football," said Patriots Vice Chairman Jonathan Kraft. "In recent years, there has been an insatiable desire for immediate reaction from the coach and our players after every game. We have a unique opportunity to reach those fans through this 'Fifth Quarter' agreement with WBZ-TV 4 and UPN 38."
The agreement includes an unusual feature that has either WBZ-TV 4 or UPN 38 broadcasting a "Fifth Quarter" show following four games that are not being carried by WBZ-TV 4, a CBS affiliate that is the television home of the Patriots and the American Football Conference.
"The Patriots approached us about the possibility of doing a "Fifth Quarter" show following the games that were not on CBS and convinced us that this would be a good way to enhance our overall football package," Goldman said. "Even when we don't carry the Patriots game, we will have Patriots programming and we think our viewers will appreciate our efforts to keep them connected with the team," he said.
WBZ-TV 4 and UPN 38 Sports Director Bob Lobel will serve as host of the "Fifth Quarter." He will be joined by former Patriots players Steve DeOssie and Scott Zolak.
Below is the schedule of "Fifth Quarter" broadcasts on WBZ-TV 4 and WSBK/UPN 38.
|
