Lincoln, Neb., Dec. 16, 2002--The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is considering alternative proposals for the radio broadcast of its sporting events, including football games.
Pinnacle Sports Productions Inc. holds a license from the NU Board of Regents for the exclusive live radio broadcast rights for selected UNL intercollegiate athletic events. The license is in effect until July 31, 2006.
The Board of Regents, at its Dec. 14 meeting, postponed a decision on extending the Pinnacle license in order to provide other potential parties an opportunity to submit a competitive proposal.
UNL today issued a set of expectations regarding competing proposals, which is included below. Competing proposals must be received in hard copy by the UNL Office of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 3 in order to be considered.
Notice to Parties Interested in Making Proposals for Exclusive Radio Broadcast Rights to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Intercollegiate Athletics Events, Beginning in August 2006
Pinnacle Sports Productions, Inc., currently holds a license from the Board of Regents to the exclusive live radio broadcast rights for selected intercollegiate athletic events of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. That license is in effect until July 31, 2006. The University and Pinnacle negotiated an extension of those rights until July 31, 2011. This extension agreement was presented to the Board of Regents on December 15, 2002. The Board postponed approval of the agreement until its meeting on January 18, 2003, and directed the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to provide interested parties an opportunity to make competing proposals relative to the extension. This notice sets out the expectation of the University regarding the receipt and action upon such competing proposals.
1. Persons intending to make a proposal for the exclusive radio broadcast rights described above shall deliver such intention in writing to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance by 5:00 p.m. CST on December 20, 2002, at the address noted below. A facsimile (see Fax number below) received by such date and time shall meet this requirement.
2. The University will not issue an RFP. The contract negotiated between the University and Pinnacle Sports Productions, Inc. is a public document. Copies of that contract are available in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance at the address and phone number provided below. The contract sets forth the terms the University was prepared to accept and the responsibilities the University expected of its licensee.
3. Competing proposals will be assessed on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the financial and other consideration offered the University, the broadcasts included in the agreement, the geographic coverage and strength of signal of the broadcasts that can reasonably be expected under the proposal, the financial strength of the parties making the proposal, and the quality of the performance likely to be achieved.
4. Because the University has a strong interest in its relationship with its fans and the taxpayers that support the University, and because the radio broadcasts of its athletic events represents an important means of strengthening that relationship, the partnership with its exclusive radio broadcaster goes beyond merely financial consideration. The expectation of the University is that its licensee will be a good corporate partner who will share a commitment to sustaining and enhancing the relationship of the University to its fans and supporters. In evaluating competing proposals, the University will consider this factor as well.
5. Competing proposals must be received in hard copy by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on January 3, 2003. Competing proposals must be in the form of a binding offer, signed by those authorized to bind the party submitting the proposal.
6. During the period from January 6, 2003, through the end of the business day on January 10, 2003, the University shall engage in a period of negotiation with any or all proposers (including Pinnacle Sports). During this time, proposers may be asked to provide additional information (including financial information) or alter the proposal to provide terms more advantageous to the University. At the end of the negotiation period, the University shall evaluate the proposals and information, and recommend to the Board of Regents at its January 18, 2003, meeting which, if any, proposal best meets the needs of the University.
7. All proposals, as well as the proposed Pinnacle Sports contract extension, delivered to the University on January 3, 2003, shall be subject to public disclosure pursuant to the provisions of Nebraska's public record laws.
8. The University further reserves the right to reject any and all proposals to license the radio broadcast rights beyond the present Pinnacle Sports contract, which awards the rights through July 31, 2006, should the University determine that no extension is in its best interest at this time.
9. The University further reserves the right to analyze proposals in detail and to award such contracts as it believes, in its exercise of reasonable discretion, to be in its best interest.
Inquires or proposals should be submitted to:
Christine A. Jackson
Vice Chancellor for Business & Finance
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
301 Canfield Administration Building
Lincoln, NE 68588-0425
Phone: (402) 472-4455
Fax: (402) 472-7963
CONTACT: Christine Jackson, Vice Chancellor , Business & Finance, (402) 472-4455 (cjackson3@unl.edu)
For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825