North Wins 7 Emmy Awards

Fox Sports North further solidified its position as the regional leader in local sports programming by taking home seven Emmy Awards at the Ninth Annual Regional Emmy Awards presented by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Television Academy. FS North’s seven Emmy Awards in 2008 came from an amazing 17 Emmy nominations. In the past five years, FS North has been recognized with 24 Emmys for its excellent programming.

2008 FS North Emmy Award Winners:
On-Camera Talent – Host - Ann Carroll
Sporting Event/Game Series - Twins
Public/Current Affairs – Our Heroes: A Black History Month Special
Documentary – Spotlight: Twins Platoon
Editor Sports – Nicole Kunkel
Promotion Single Spot – Wild Playoffs – Tod Lavanty
Promotion Single Spot – Twins/Brewers – Tod Lavanty

Photos:

Top Photo:
Back Row (l-r): Trevor Fleck, Skip Krueger, Mike Dimond, Tom Hanneman, Jeff Byle, Anthony LaPanta. Front Row: Bob Rhode, Patricia Whitney, Ann Carroll, Joseph Maar.

Bottom Photo:
Ann Carroll wins her first Emmy Award

Hockey Day Minnesota 2009 Coming Soon...

Hockey Day Minnesota 2009 is fast approaching. Make sure to check out Qwest Wild Live before the Minnesota Wild game on November 12 to find out exact locations, teams, schedules, and additional information.

Twins End Season with Record Ratings

The Minnesota Twins and Fox Sports North announced that the team had a record-setting year in television viewing during the 2008 season. The Twins drew the third highest viewership of all Major League Baseball teams with an average rating of 7.47, an increase of 9.2 percent over the 6.8 average rating in 2007.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the team’s all-time season high ratings average on FS North in 2008 surpassed its previous 6.7 rating average in 2006 and 6.6 average in 2005. Seventeen Twins games posted a rating of 10.0 or higher on FS North in 2008, which was the most in one season ever on the network.

The Twins-White Sox telecast on July 29, earned a 13.73 rating, making it FS North’s highest-rated telecast of the season and highest rated telecast in Fox Sports North history.

Pre- and post-game shows on FS North also drew record high numbers during the 2008 season. Qwest Twins Live pre-game shows earned a 1.17 average rating, an increase of 16% over 2007, while post-game shows earned a 2.72 average rating, an increase of 37% over last season.

“This has been an incredible television year for the Twins,” said Dave St. Peter, Twins president. “Thanks to our fans throughout Twins Territory who helped make 2008 a successful year for the Minnesota Twins and Fox Sports North.”

In the Media:

Star Tribune: Twins Had Impressive Ratings on FSN North
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/31146744.html?elr=KArksUUUU

Star Tribune: Twins Telecasts Beat Grey’s Anatomy
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/29809049.html?elr=KArksUUUU

Affiliate Spotlight: Mediacom

Fox Sports North recognizes our valued partner Mediacom for continued support and maintaining quality cable services. Mediacom is the nation’s eighth largest cable television company committed to serving the local community. Mediacom has participated in bringing the Wild Road Tour and Twins Winter Caravan to communities in Minnesota and South Dakota.

Additionally, Mediacom was an integral part of Twins Live viewing parties at Maynard’s this summer by assisting with bringing the high definition feed to the site and providing prizes for fans at the party.

Timberwolves Begin 20th Season

The Minnesota Timberwolves have kicked off their 20th season in full swing. The team played to a full house at the Target Center on Wednesday October 29 winning an exciting game against Sacramento. Check out the Timberwolves on FS North throughout the month of November and tune in every week for Wolves Weekly.

Wolves Weekly is a a new program that provides fans an up close and personal look at the Timberwolves organization and an opportunity to get to know the players. Join host Telly Hughes as he gets the inside scoop on the latest news, behind the scenes access, and special features celebrating the Timberwolves 20th season as a team. Check your local listings for times and dates.


20th Season Timberwolves Special Events:

College Nights - Every Wednesday home game college students with a valid ID will receive a $20 ticket for $10, sit in the Wolf Pack section with other college students and enjoy dollar hot dogs. The first 100 college students who show up on game day between 5:30-7:30pm will be upgraded to lower level seats.

Guys Night Out - For $35 guys will receive a discounted ticket to the game, passes to attend a pre-game VIP Reception on the suite level (featuring complimentary beer), an appearance by the Wolves Dancers, and other entertainment for the perfect guys’ night out! Join us Wednesday November 26 when the Timberwolves take on the Phoenix Suns and Friday February 20 against the Indiana Pacers.

The Start of a 'Wild' Hockey Season

Hockey season is underway and the Minnesota Wild are off to a great start. This year the Wild started their season undefeated in regulation through the first seven games. Fox Sports North will continue to cheer on the Wild throughout the month of November with a full schedule of programming.

November Schedule:
November 4: San Jose, 9:30 PM
November 8: Vancouver, 9:00 PM
November 13: Phoenix, 7:00 PM
November 15: Columbus, 7:00 PM
November 28: Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
November 29: Nashville, 7:00 PM

Employee Spotlight: Erich Manwarren

As the Operations Manager of Fox Sports North and Fox Sports Wisconsin, Erich Manwarren prides himself on scheduling, helping, and maintaining a productive and professional level of operations between both regions. As our employee spotlight of the month, Erich enjoys maintaining the balance between work and family.

Give us a brief overview of your job at FS North:
I am responsible for the scheduling of crews for the studio, high school and Puma truck events. I also do payroll for all freelance employees. I am also responsible for scheduling ENG shoots and maintaining equipment that is used on our shows.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing our show and programs on the air with no technical or crew issues.

Where did you attend college?
University of Wisconsin, Platteville

What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to play with my two kids, Max (5) and Riley (3), and go to movies with my wife (date night!) I also like radio control cars.

Who is/are the most influential people in your life?
My parents

If you weren’t doing this job, you would be a ….
I would be a Freelance Technical Manager, or a Camera or Tape Operator.

Who is your favorite team to watch?
Minnesota Twins

What is the best part of working at Fox Sports North?
The best part is the people and there is always something happening or going on.

Tell us something unique and interesting about yourself:
For a high school science challenge I built a bridge made out of balsa wood that held 57lbs. The bridge weighed 10oz. I have also launched a golf ball and ping pong ball 30 feet, having them land in an ice cream bucket!

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I would want to be able to teleport myself from location to location.