03/17/2024
PIAA DENIES RENDA MEDIA VIDEO STREAMING REQUEST ~ Mark Bertig
As a follow-up to my earlier post as I was on my way to church, I wanted to be fully transparent on the message I received from the P.I.A.A. at 5:46 PM. I wanted to get the word out regarding being denied and now that I’m back home, expand on it. First, here is the message from the PIAA offices:
"Mark,
I just wanted to follow up with my earlier email. As the NFHS Network has the streaming rights of the PIAA playoff games and they have confirmed they will be covering the 2A Girls’ Basketball game of Minersville vs. Marion Center @ Bald Eagle HS, unfortunately we cannot approve your media request for live video.
If you would like to do the audio, we can approve that.
PIAA (email came from one of their Associate Executive Directors)"
Since I’m seeing feedback from many who don’t understand, I’ll try to explain. Needless to say, we at Renda Media are extremely disappointed. On my way home from Bald Eagle last night, I was receiving phone calls and messages from friends and fans who really enjoyed the Lady Stingers win on Renda Digital TV. As I normally do, I received a call from an elderly shut-in viewer who loves watching the kids so much. These types of calls warm my heart more than most. I feel bad on many levels. First, perhaps selfishly, I feel that nobody covers our hometown teams like our hometown announcers and the feedback we receive is amazing. It’s our players and passionate fans that keep us going. I have always said I enjoy doing these games, perhaps more than people enjoy watching/listening. We know the teams, the players. We try to bring the fans at home unique insight, coach and player interviews and more. The contract the PIAA has with NFHS gives them first right to air, which blocks us, which is what they did.
Last night (Friday) we were approved to video stream. Blue Ridge Communications from the Marian Catholic region was also there. NHFS did not have interest last night, so we were both approved. We (Renda & Blue Ridge) both paid the PIAA $1000 for rights fees. Every round they go up. Frankly, it’s such a roller coaster planning and then being at the mercy of the PIAA awaiting word. We know our video streams, which are free, draw hundreds, if not thousands, of more viewers than NFHS, which hides behind a paywall.
Earlier today, I visited some Marion Center businesses, including Innovations of Home, thanking them for their support. I heard so many great stories about watch parties for fans that couldn’t make the long trip. I got to speak to Coach Amy Trimble and made arrangements to record video interviews with her and some players following practice Sunday night to use on our pre-game show. Sadly, we won’t be doing those interviews, and I’m sure that NHFS won’t be either as they could care less about “local.” It’s a money grab. I also feel badly for my own staff, many of whom pour their hearts into bringing these games to life on Renda Digital TV. They work all season long, and then when the stakes are at their highest, the rug is pulled out by the PIAA.
If you have even a small level of frustration, please let your state representatives know. I am grateful that State Rep Struzzi is on the side of local broadcasters and is trying to get support with a piece of legislation he has named the Fair Play Broadcasting Act. All we ask for is reasonable fair access. Please call Representative Struzzi’s office and tell him you appreciate his efforts and support him. His office number is 724.465.0220. State Rep Brian Smith, whose district includes Marion Center, has told me he supports his colleague on this proposed piece of legislation. Please encourage Mr. Smith as well by calling 814.938.4225. If you are disgusted with the PIAA, call their offices and let them know you support local broadcasters.
Finally, on Monday, we will air the game on Cat Country 106.3, and prior to, during, and after the game post photos and if possible, bring you Facebook live coverage during pre-game and post-game.
Let’s root on the Lady Stingers to Hershey. When they win, we will do our best to bring live post game interviews on our post-game show on the WCCS page, unless of course we are …..denied.
See everyone at Bald Eagle and we hope in Hershey on Thursday. Thanks for your passion and support of the Stingers. We are all Marion Center Proud !
Mark Bertig, Regional Vice President; Renda Media
