Bangor Communications’ ABC 7 and FOX 22 have agreed to a two-year contract extension to televise University of Maine hockey and football games.
According to Mike Palmer, general manager at WVII/ABC 7 and WFVX/Fox 22, they intend to televise at least seven Black Bear men’s hockey games and three football games in each of the next two seasons.
Jason Hoyt, account executive for Black Bear Sports Properties, which is under the Learfield umbrella, UMaine’s multimedia rights partner, said the contract also calls for the possibility of televising two additional “flex games” which could be basketball games or extra hockey or football games.
Hoyt said the decision pertaining to the two extra games will be a collaborative one between Learfield/Bangor Communications and the university.
Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
University of Maine athletic director Karlton Creech said he was excited about the extension.
“Any time you can extend an existing partnership, it’s good,” said Creech, who added that he also was happy with the continuing relationship with Learfield/Black Bear Sports Properties.
Creech said in the changing digital world, it is valuable to have an “established partner” such as ABC 7/FOX 22, which had a previous two-year contract for UMaine games with a one-year extension for this past season.
Palmer said they love carrying UMaine games.
“It’s a fabulous thing to put on,” said Palmer. “You can watch game shows, talk shows or movies lots of places but there aren’t a whole lot of places you can watch UMaine hockey and football games. We’re thrilled to have it. We have always had a great relationship with the University of Maine and the people at Learfield have been terrific. It’s a first-rate organization all the way.”
Hoyt said he is ecstatic to be renewing the partnership with ABC 7/FOX 22.
The partnership between Bangor Communications/Learfield and the University of Maine first became a reality in July 2013 after contract negotiations between Learfield and WABI TV Channel 5 had broken off earlier that year.
ABC 7/FOX 22 also landed six high school tournament basketball semifinal games last month. The games were being streamed live by the Northeast Sports Network and Palmer negotiated a deal with the Vermont-based company and the Maine Principals’ Association.
“I was very proud that we were able to do that,” said Palmer. “That is a real marquee event. It’s iconic. I wish we had been able to do more games.”
Palmer praised Dick Durost, executive director of the MPA, for his cooperation.
“He’s a steward of the community. He does a terrific job,” said Palmer.
Palmer said they will explore doing more tournament games next season.
“We want to try to do as much local stuff as we can,” said Palmer, noting they televised Gov. Paul LePage’s town hall meeting from Husson University in Bangor live in January.
Editor’s note: Larry Mahoney is employed by Learfield for its UMaine men’s hockey radio broadcasts.