Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Athletics will Utilize Paperless Media Guides
2/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 23, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State Athletics Department announced today that it will utilize paperless distribution of traditional media guides beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.
Intercollegiate Athletics media guides generally serve a dual purpose; they provide information to members of the media regarding the individual sports programs and serve as a tool for the recruitment of prospective student-athletes.
In making the announcement, Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh cited practical, economic and environmental reasons for the decision.
"In recent years it has become abundantly clear that printed materials are often not the most efficient or effective manner to deliver fresh and accurate information to prospective student-athletes or the media," said Boeh. "Given the highly perishable nature of the data we have traditionally provided in printed media guides, expecting an effective shelf-life and value of these publications is simply no longer realistic."
The Department of Athletics anticipates a savings of approximately $75,000 in the next budget cycle, a direct result of significant cost reductions associated with printing, shipping and postage.
It is also noted that the paperless production and distribution of media guide material is considerably friendlier to the environment. At Fresno State, past media guide production accounted for the printing, shipping and eventual disposal of approximately 5,840 lbs., or nearly three tons, of paper each year.
"Beginning next fall we will utilize our website and other cutting-edge technologies as the primary mediums to provide accurate and timely information to prospective student-athletes as well as members of the media," said Director of Media Relations Steve Weakland. "Our goal is to enhance our services, showcase our student-athletes and best serve the needs and interests of our various constituencies."
The Department of Athletics is planning a redesign for its official web site, www.gobulldogs.com, in the summer and the information for media members and recruits will be widely available and prominently displayed.
"These are tough economic times," said head football coach Pat Hill. "Many businesses are going through big changes right now and I think it's very good that we are looking at ways to be more effective with resources we have available. Technology is ever-changing and today's students are so savvy that they will easily access the information we distribute regardless of the format in which it is provided."
The head coaches of the lacrosse and track and field programs have also decided not to have their media guides printed this spring, resulting in a savings of approximately $4,000 for the current budget.
"I think that discontinuing the practice of printing media guides is a sound decision and needed to be made for the long-term efficiency of Fresno State Athletics," said head coach Sue Behme. "I also felt that it was important for my program to step-up and take immediate action, so that we could do our part to help our department's immediate budget concerns. Technology is changing rapidly and the electronic delivery of the media guide a step towards the future. Student-athletes, recruits, fans, families and club teams will have immediate access to anything they need with a keystroke. It is a win-win all the way around."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs return to the Save Mart Center on Friday, February 27 as they host Nevada in the Save Mart Center at 7:00 pm. It's Pink Zone Night and $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Central Valley Affiliate for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
