Qwest Twins Live from the Minnesota State Fair

FS North will be live from the 2008 Minnesota State Fair August 21 through Labor Day with special one hour Qwest Twins Live pre- game shows. Stop by the FS North "Be a Sports Anchor" booth located at the corner of Cooper and Judson for a chance to record a free sports update, win prizes, and be a part of the live broadcasts.

Spotlight: Target Presents National Night Out

In a partnership designed to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in anticrime efforts throughout the community, FS North in conjunction with Target presented Twins Live: National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5.

FS North televised a special 90 minute edition of Twins Live from the Minneapolis North Loop block party. It was a first of its kind television event specifically designed to focus on National Night Out-‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’. FS North, Target and hundreds of local community members attended the party complete with free food, live music, interactive games and an opportunity to be on live TV.

The National Night Out celebration continued throughout the Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners game as FS brought viewers back to the site of the North Loop block party and checked in with block parties at other satellite locations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.nationalnightout.org/

Shjon Podein Children’s Foundation

On August 9 FS North televised The Shjon Podein Celebrity Golf Tournament, a half hour special designed to raise awareness about a unique foundation established by former NHL star and Minnesota native Shjon Podein.

Hosted by FS North Wild analyst Mike Greenlay, the show highlighted a two-day charity event that took place in Rochester, Minnesota on June 28-29. Viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at the 11th annual event and were introduced to numerous professional athletes and celebrities including country star Brad Paisley.

The mission of Podein's charity, Team25 is to improve the quality of life and create an environment of caring and community support for children facing extraordinary difficulties in their lives.
PICTURE: FS North employees Nicole Kunkel, Becky Ross and Mike Greenlay with country star Brad Paisley

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.team25.org/

The Twins Score Big Ratings

The Twins may be battling for a playoff berth, but as far as ratings go it's no contest. Twins games on FS North have dominated local cable and broadcast primetime viewing for the region, averaging a remarkable 8.31 rating during 18 telecasts throughout the month of July.

BREAKING RECORDS:
The Twins-White Sox game on July 29 earned a 13.7 rating, making it the highest rated telecast in FS North history.

IN THE MEDIA:
www.startribune.com/sports/twins/26111769.html

In the Community: FSN Live from Wisconsin Dells

FS North joined forces with the Minnesota Twins and the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau to host a weekend-long Twins telecast event in an effort to draw attention to Wisconsin Dells. The special event included three telecasts from various locations throughout Wisconsin Dells Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28. This special event was crafted to highlight the Dells and remind viewers that they are an affordable and easily accessible getaway for people of all ages.

“This weekend-long telecast was a community outreach project. It allowed us to demonstrate our loyalty to the local community,” said Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President and General Manager at FS North. “We needed to let people know that despite weather-related challenges in early June, the Dells are open for business.

PHOTO: Marney Gellner interviews Tim Gantz, the owner of Noah's Ark- 'America's Largest Waterpark'

FS North & the Minnesota Twins Celebrate First Responders Week

FS North and the Minnesota Twins teamed up to pay special tribute to first responders with a series of local programming initiatives, including a tribute to those involved with the 35W Bridge collapse and a neighborhood devastated by a recent tornado, during First Responders Week, July 28 through August 2, 2008. Throughout the week FSN highlighted police officers, medical/EMT teams, firefighters, and water patrol units.

With Friday August 1 marking the one year anniversary of the 35W Bridge collapse, FS paid tribute with a special hour-long edition of Qwest Twins Live as host Anthony LaPanta and Twins President Dave St. Peter revisited the events that took place one year ago.

The First Responders Week finale took place Saturday August 2 in Hugo, Minnesota, an area devastated by a tornado in late May. Once again LaPanta was on the scene, visiting with citizens and local officials who responded to the disaster and also celebrating with neighbors who have rallied together to rebuild a community.

PHOTO:
FS's Anthony LaPanta interviews community members and first responders in Hugo, Minnesota