SAN JOSE, Calif. - For the third consecutive season, San José State Athletics is a finalist for the Sports Video Group (SVG) College Sports Media Awards and it's the first time the Spartans have been a finalist for two categories in the same season, announced by the Sports Video Group.
The Spartans are 1-of-8 finalists in the Collegiate Athletics Championship division for their live game production of football against Cal Poly on Sept. 9, 2023 and SJSU is 1-of-6 finalists in the Collegiate Athletics Championship division for outstanding special feature-unscripted for The Charge, SJSU's All-Access Show, episode on mental health issues.
"We are excited to earn this recognition for the third straight year and appreciate our partnership with NBC Sports Bay Area in our efforts to produce highly visible content in the Bay Area," said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. "We spend countless hours on our all-access show, The Charge, and our student-athletes have compelling stories to tell. Kudos to our staff for their hard work and dedication."
SJSU defeated Cal Poly, 59-3, in front of a packed crowd at CEFCU Stadium broadcasted on NBC Sports Bay Area last season. Neal Ruhl (play-by-play) and former NFL quarterback and SJSU alum David Fales (analyst) were on the call for the broadcast, along with sideline reporter Kate Rooney. The SJSU-Cal Poly game was the most watched of any of the SJSU produced broadcasts in 2023-24.
The Charge is in its third season on NBC Sports Bay area telling the stories of San José State student-athletes. With the rise in mental health issues amongst student-athletes, this episode told the story of former men’s basketball student-athlete MJ Amey. Injuries had sidelined him throughout his career, but the biggest obstacle he had to overcome has been within himself.
"The Charge continues to enhance the SJSU Athletics brand throughout the state of California," said Senior Deputy AD for External Operations, Scott MacDonald. "We have some incredible partners in NBC Sports Bay Area and Atomic Productions that help us produce this award-worthy all-access show. I also want to thank Associate AD for Communications and Broadcasting, Sky Kerstein, and Atomic Productions producer Jason West for their efforts in creating this amazing show."
This feature covered Amey’s basketball career from high school through his junior year at San José State. He addressed thoughts of suicide, including self harming, and the importance of getting help.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced at the 16th Annual SVG College Sports Media Awards in association with NACDA which will be held at the SVG College Summit in the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel on May 29 at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET.
“This year’s entries in the SVG College Sports Media Awards illustrate a trend in video production that has been growing over the past few years,” says Tom Buffolano, chairman of the SVG College Sports Media Awards in association with NACDA. “Conferences and schools are producing a larger variety of live sports and using innovative technology to provide more access to fans, including near live social media or enhanced commentary. Storytelling has expanded to highlight the student-athlete’s experience, celebrate coaches and their program milestones and traditions, and promote what is unique about the culture of the university as a positive recruiting approach. I’m thrilled that the CSMAs continue to attract new schools each year, and the depth of quality of production we see is a tribute to those who lead video departments in both athletics and academics.”
About Sports Video Group
The Sports Video Group was formed in 2006 to support the professional community that relies on video, audio, and broadband technologies to produce and distribute sports content. Leagues, owners, teams, players, broadcasters, and consumer technology providers have joined the SVG to learn from each other, turn vision into reality, implement new innovations, while sharing experiences that will lead to advancements in the sports production/distribution process and the overall consumer sports experience. For more information, visit www.sportsvideo.org.
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