The name might be different, but Penn State’s weekly football show isn’t going anywhere.
The athletic department and Penn State Public Broadcasting announced Wednesday the show will be called “Penn State Football 2012 — The Next Chapter.”
Penn State Public Broadcasting is overtaking the production of the show.
Pittsburgh-based Mind over Media had produced the weekly “Penn State Football Story.” Guido D’Elia, one of Mind of Media’s co-founders, lost his Penn State job in February. D’Elia served as the football program's director of communications and branding.
The new version of the football show will debut on Sunday, Sept. 2, the day after Penn State’s opening football game against Ohio University at Beaver Stadium. The 30-minute program will offer a recap of the previous day’s game and interviews with coach Bill O’Brien, staff members and players. O’Brien, according to a version of his contract posted online, receives $1 million per year for fulfilling media and public appearance obligations.
WPSU-TV, in partnership with Penn State Athletics, also produces the “Courtside With Coquese”program that chronicles coach Coquese Washington and her women's basketball team.
“For several months now, we have referenced 'The Next Chapter of Penn State Football,'” acting athletic director Dave Joyner said in a statement. “Our extended collaboration with Penn State Public Broadcasting will bring that to life for our fans every week this season. This football team has tremendous character and personality and this year’s show is going to reveal that each and every week.”
WPSU-TV (Comcast Channel 3) and WTAJ-TV (Comcast 10) are broadcasting the show locally. WPSU airs the show at noon and 11 p.m. each Sunday. WTAJ airs the show at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Scrimmage time
Penn State conducted a game-like scrimmage in Beaver Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Part of the scrimmage matched the first team offense and defense. Quarterback Matt McGloin’s late touchdown pass to tight end Matt Lehman represented one of the offensive highlights.
The scrimmage, which was not open to the media, featured coaches sitting in the press box and referees on the field.
Guy Cipriano can be reached at 231-4643. Follow him on Twitter @cdtguy
