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KRUI to broadcast remaining Iowa games: A symbolic step forward

Iowa Football

For several years, attempts to broadcast Iowa football games have gone unsuccessful.

There have been pregame shows setup with Learfield Communications, but no live broadcasts of the Hawkeyes. No play-by-play opportunities. No color commentary.

As time went on, the media climate changed, and it has been well-documented. Eventually, Learfield Sports — which has media rights agreements with several FBS schools — hooked on with the UI Athletics Department, and Hawkeye Sports Properties (HSP) was born.

HSP became the official media rights holder for the UI, and created a statewide marketing strategy that includes but not limited to partnerships with local radio and Tv affitliates, promotions of events, on-field signage, and online properties.

As a part of the contract, HPS also broadcasts all football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, and baseball contests. This is an important aspect, because somewhere along the line, inadvertently as we’ve come to find out, KRUI got shut out.

But didn’t have to be.

It is our understanding that there is a portion of Learfield’s contract with the UI that allows for the student station to be involved with live broadcasts, citing educational and practical experience reasons.

KRUI sports director Jordan Kabialis found that out after meeting with HSP president Chuck Schroeder last week. After additional exchanges with Associate Athletic Director Rick Klatt and Director of Athletics Communications Steve Roe, Jordan was granted some exciting news.

KRUI has been given clearance by all parties involved to broadcast the five remaining football games on Iowa’s schedule, starting this Saturday against Northwestern in Evanston. Jordan and assistant sports director Bria Davis will be on the call.

The prevailing notion was that Learfield would never allow something like this. Well, that’s not the case. And why wouldn’t they? Gary Dolphin and Ed Podolak are mainstays amongst the Black and Gold, and that won’t change anytime soon.

However, for KRUI to have the capability to broadcast these games — a prospect most, if not all, other Big Ten schools have the ability to do — is a symbolic development. Huge opportunities for the entire staff.

So, thank you, Chuck Schroeder. Same to Rick Klatt. Same to Steve Roe.

Student media got a tremendous boost this week in Iowa City. A symbolic, historic step forward.

Programming Notes: KRUI will begin its live broadcasts this Saturday in Evanston with a 9 a.m. pregame show. Kickoff is at 11. To listen, tune into 89.7 FM in Iowa City.

Note from director: The original article had some inaccurate information that was brought to our attention by a former member of KRUI. We deeply apologize for this error and the article has since been revised.