The first meeting between Penn State and Florida in 13 years drew an impressive television audience for the 2011 Outback Bowl, with the contest producing the highest rating for a college football game on ABC during the 2010 season. The ESPN on ABC telecast of the clash between the Nittany Lions and Gators delivered a 7.1 rating, translating into 8.17 million TV households and 12.445 million viewers. (more)
Last Saturday's Penn State-Michigan State clash was ESPN2's highest viewed and rated Big Ten football game this season, just the latest highlight for the Big Ten's perennial TV dynamo. Since beginning conference competition in 1993, Penn State has played in seven of the top 15 rated Big Ten football games on ESPN, the most of any Big Ten team (Michigan is next with five). The Nittany Lions have played in six of top 15 highest viewed Big Ten games on ESPN, tied for first among conference squads (with Michigan). (more)
The Big Ten Conference has reached a media agreement with FOX Sports to serve as the official broadcast partner of the 2011-16 Big Ten Football Championship Games. The inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played in prime time on Dec. 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with the winner earning the Big Ten Championship and a chance to play in the Rose Bowl Game or Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game. (more)
The Penn State Nittany Lion and Lady Lion Basketball teams will make a combined total of at least 35 television appearances during their 2010-11 seasons, starting with a pair of games this weekend. Coach Ed DeChellis' Nittany Lions will make 24 TV appearances this year, as well as every game from the Big Ten Tournament. The Nittany Lions' first TV game is Friday, Nov. 19, when they host Fairfield, the MAAC pre-season favorite, at 7:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. Penn State can be seen on the Big Ten Network at least 20 times this season. (more)
ESPN will visit Penn State's University Park campus to broadcast a pair of live shows on Thursday (Sept. 23) from outside Gate A of the Bryce Jordan Center. Fans are encouraged to attend the broadcasts. The Herd with Colin Cowherd will air live on ESPN Radio, espnradio.com and ESPNU from outside the Jordan Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. SportsNation, with Cowherd and Michelle Beadle, will broadcast from 4-5 p.m. from the same location and air on ESPN2. The show is replayed at 6 p.m. and midnight on ESPN2. (more)
The state-of-the-art courtroom at Penn State Law will transform into the set for a new television and interactive series, "World on Trial," where viewers around the world will render verdicts on provocative international human rights issues. Cherie Booth, the eminent human rights barrister and wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, will preside over the first trial, which will be on the French "headscarf law" and will be filmed on Sept. 20. (more)
On the "Recruiting" edition of "Expert Opinion with Graham Spanier," debuting at noon Eastern time Sept. 20 on the Big Ten Network, the host and his guests discuss the ins and outs of recruiting high school athletes for collegiate sports.
Penn State President Graham Spanier is joined by Mike McQueary, recruiting coordinator for Penn State football; Russ Rose, head coach of Penn State women's volleyball; and Frank Busch, head coach of men's and women's swimming at the University of Arizona. (more)
College sports fans often have two questions on their minds when they consider the performance of the best young athletes: How can they possibly be so good, and how can we get them on our team? New "Expert Opinion with Graham Spanier" episodes scheduled for noon air times Sept. 6 and Sept. 20 on the Big Ten Network will probe two highly volatile topics especially directed toward elite student-athletes: drug use and recruiting practices. (more)
The first episode of "Global Penn State," a half-hour show on the Big Ten Network that showcases service-learning projects by Penn State students and faculty, is now available online. The episode takes viewers to Kenya, where three groups of engineering students apply their education by tackling problems related to health care, unemployment, nutrition and renewable energy in marginalized communities while also providing Kenyans with economic opportunities. (more)
College students who have studied overseas often return home finding that their experiences transformed them. Many Penn State students' global education focuses on service-learning projects in developing nations. The results of their extended visits have transformed entire villages with improved quality of life. A Big Ten Network series premiering in July highlights several of these dual-benefit service-learning opportunities. "Global Penn State" debuts at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 25, on the Big Ten Network. (more)
