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The Business of College Football

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CONTACT:
Mark Ballard
mark@rosengrouppr.com
212.255.8455 ext. 225

"The Business of College Football"

PBS' Nightly Business Report Launches 4-Part Special Report Nov. 12th

New York, NY (November 6, 2007) - College football is not only exciting, it's also big business -- and it's getting even bigger. A successful college football program can mean millions of dollars in enrollment, alumni contributions, merchandising, and more (Ohio State University's football revenue last year was a jaw-dropping $105 million). PBS' Nightly Business Report explores these issues and much more in a 4-part series, "The Business of College Football," scheduled to air November 12 - 15.

The series kicks off with a look at the football program at Texas Tech, and how the school's endowment went from less than $50 million (at the time it joined the powerhouse conference, The Big 12) to now, more than $700 million. This huge revenue for Texas Tech (and for schools like it) has introduced a unique set of challenges. On the flipside of Texas Tech is the former all-girls school, Seton Hill University, whose football program, while in its infancy (even playing their games at a rented high school stadium), has nonetheless managed to double the school's enrollment. Along with the questions facing schools big and small, Emmy-nominated reporter Jeff Yastine also takes an inside look at the $3.5 billion made annually in college logo licensing.

"On Nightly Business Report, not every business story ends with a stock quote," said Rodney Ward, Executive Editor/Senior Vice President, Nightly Business Report. "College football, with its astonishing revenue, licensing and sponsorship dollars, certainly qualifies. From coast to coast, and for fans and non-fans alike, this is a series that will surprise a lot of people."

For more information, or to speak with a Nightly Business Report representative, please contact Mark Ballard at 212-255-8455 or mark@rosengrouppr.com

About Nightly Business Report: For over 27 years, the Emmy® Award-winning Nightly Business Report has provided business news in a fast-paced format. Timely investment information helps viewers manage their money and stay abreast of the news that affects their portfolios. Nightly Business Report premiered as a Miami regional program on January 22, 1979, with national distribution beginning in 1981. Nightly Business Report is distributed live to public television stations at 6:30pm EST every weeknight. Local broadcast times vary.

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