Aug. 27, 2003
Villanova, Pa. - The Villanova Athletics Department and Yahoo have formed a partnership to provide audio service through the internet, it was announced today. The agreement features a range of new programming options and also moves the entire Villanova broadcast package to a subscription-based service.
A one year subscription to the Villanova "School Pass" can be purchased for a monthly fee of $4.95 a month ($29.95 a year). The price includes the radio broadcast of all Villanova men's basketball and football games along with an expanded list of services that will include numerous women's basketball games, Olympic sports and radio shows featuring head men's basketball coach Jay Wright and football coach Andy Talley. Subscribers also have the option of purchasing a Yahoo "College Pack" for $9.95 a month ($59.95 a year) that includes major college broadcasting packages from across the country.
These items can be accessed through the Audio/Video page of www.villanova.com.
"I understand that a lot of people may wonder why a service they have received in the past for free will now involve a cost," said Senior Associate Athletic Director Bob Steitz. "Unfortunately, the landscape of the internet has evolved as the medium has grown. Internet service providers (such as audio and video streaming) have found that the advertising marketplace has not supported continued free services to the consumer. In order for such services to continue to be provided, companies must have means of financially supporting the technology.
"We have modeled our plan after those utilized by more than 150 colleges across the country. It is our belief that it offers the best possible service at the most economical prices for our listeners. This arrangement with Yahoo will enable Villanova to offer more events, selected press conferences from football and basketball, broadcasts of Olympic sports, video highlights, and postgame interviews in a manner consistent with high quality multimedia."
The new service begins on Aug. 28 with the broadcast of the Villanova football season opener against Hampton. All audio programming from that point forward will require a subscription to the Villanova internet package.
