TV and Media

Well, both the Statesman and the Chronicle at least covered the press release announcing the team. On their website, the Chronicle's sports blog (The Score) has also mentioned further Aztex news since then, as well (though they should probably change the "Austin Lightning" link on there...)

I can't say I'm optimistic about the Statesman's coverage, though. Even with 2 Texas MLS teams, one being 2-time league champions, I've never seen anything but the skimpiest soccer coverage from them.

 

On the day of the MLS CUP last year, the AAS didn't even have it mentioned in the "events happening today" section at the front. I don't think we can expect much TV or radio coverage. The team will be lucky to get an article every once in a while, but nothing regular.

The Statesman ignored the Wranglers when they were playing in the Arena League. You rarely see anything about the Ice Bats. Not to be pessimistic, but realistically I can't think the Aztex are going to get much more coverage. If anything hopefully the Spanish media outlets will give it some play. And I'm sure the usual push through different youth soccer organizations will get the word out somewhat. We need to do our part and start a few good riots.

 

I can only assume that was a joke.

I'm a little sensitive about that sort of joke right now, being as at least some of the media attention the US - Mexico game in Houston got was because of some fans being shot after the game.

That sort of crap pisses me off, and it makes it all the harder for soccer to break into mainstream. It makes it easier for the sports media to dismiss soccer out of hand.

 

We can safely count on Nick Barbaro (Chronicle) to cover the Aztex as much as possible. He's a huge soccer fan and has posted about his World Cup breakfasts. He's covered the World Cup in the Chronicle (a similar sized piece, but always there) since... so far back, it may have even been '90.

Other media? Good flipping luck. I know that the NBA D-League team gets games on the sports radio station occasionally, as do the Wranglers. Haven't ever heard anything about the Express, and the Ice Bats are way down the priority list now.

This is exactly what makes now different from when the Lone Stars were in town. If the Aztex work their way into KVRX/KOOP, I suppose there's a possibility of getting radio play there. But I'd never expect it on any of the sports radio stations.

As far as the Spanish media goes... what's Spanish for "I know NOTHING!"

I think it's safe to say that, as far as TV news goes, KXAN will probably cover the team. As far as I know, they were the only news station that had anything about the team's announcement -- to my surprise, leading the evening sports section with it even though there was a Lady Longhorns basketball result to report on. I also expect News 8 (cable) to cover them.

Other than that, I don't know. I didn't see or hear anything about the other stations covering the announcement, so I'm not hopeful.

As far as actually airing the games on TV... I suppose it'd depend on how much money Rawlins is willing to spend. Since no other local team has games aired on TV, it would be quite a coup. And probably not worth the money. You want people to go to games, not sit at home and watch them on TV.

 

I was at the game and yea, it was a little bit frustrating that's all some people will say about it. It's going to take a lot more for soccer to break into the mainstream then worrying what ignorant people perceive about the game.

The Express probably get more coverage then any team not named Longhorns. Being owned by Nolan Ryan and all. They have a pregame show and all of their games are broadcast on 1530. 1300 was supposedly the "Wranglers Station". Whenever I'd go to listen to a game they'd have it preempted by a UT checkers match or Mack Brown talking about what socks the team are wearing next season.

 

I expect exactly zero coverage from the Statesman, which, as someone said, can't even be bothered to cover Texas MLS sides, nevermind MLS in general.

The Chronicle ought to give the team some coverage, and hopefully Spanish-language peridiodicals like Ahora Si, El Mundo, and Club Deportes will provide some coverage for those able to read them.

Club Deportes have a radio show on ESPN 1260 (apparently), and currently have an Aztex logo on the bottom of their homepage, so that looks promising.

 

I could care less what the Statesman do. They just put soccer in a one small column on the page while other negative sports headlines gather much of the pages.

KXAN was the only station that would at least bother to show some highlights of the old Austin Lone Stars games (Did I just say old Austin Lone Stars???). Other than that, the Austin Chronicle is the only best place to find some soccer news around here. The Aztex have a lot of work to do to get the local media's attention about our team.

 

Nice to see Nick Barbaro at the Austin Chronicle keeping up on the Aztex and Stoke City. Keep up the good work, Nick!

 

Good old NB. I think we need to see if he'll put something in the Thursday before we decide to get together to discuss a name, etc. (I.E. Aztex supporters group meeting at Mother Egan's/Fado/wherever to discuss...) Might get a few people to show up that way that might otherwise not know or come.

Speaking of which...when do we wanna meet? Be nice if we could have a group of people show up at try-outs. Meet before then?

 

I was at the tryouts today, and so was some press!

There was a photographer from El Mundo, as well as a camera from News 8 Austin. I heard that the News 8 bit should air tonight (Sat., Mar. 15) at 7:20 PM. I'll try to tape it, and get it online if I do.

There were also reportedly 160 players trying out. And that's in addition to the more than 100 that were there last weekend!

 

I was at the try outs today as well, and besides the weather being absolutely perfect, the talent on the field was as well. There were probably 100 players at least. Some were what you would expect at open tryouts, and through a series of "cullings" by 4:30, there were probably 30 on the upper field. I stayed until they broke up about 5:00, and was pleased with what I saw. There's a great mix of cultural backgrounds (I heard English, Scot, German, Mexican, etc in that group of 30) and skillsets. I have some images from the final match, and will post them at a FLIKR site that I'll send out to this group.

As far as Wednesday, KO for the Houston match is 7:30. I've sent an email to Mother Egan's asking if we could "hijack" a booth. They're pretty focused on St. Paddy's Day, so no response. I'll pop by Sunday to see if it's okay for us to get a booth set aside. I'll head up about 6:30 and will print out a small Aztex paper to ID us.

 

The News8Austin segment is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olI5i7gPre4

And if you'd like, you can also send some of your pictures to this Flickr pool:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/aztexpix/

 

Thanks for the Flickr pointer. I've posted four new photos from today's matches. I've made some comments based on my own, non-coaching viewpoint.

 

You bet; thanks for adding some pictures to that Flickr group. I put a few more in there from Saturday, myself.

And by the way, the News8 segment is also available on their site. The picture is a sharper than the one on YouTube, but it's Windows Media only, and you get a full minute of commercials included with the one minute of story:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/?ArID=202827&SecID=5

 

Well, I've just discovered something on my way to work that will probably motivate me to actually learn Spanish.

I've been listening to 1530 because I pretty much despise the new Bucky & Bob combo. It's really sad to see how 1300 has been pretty much decimated in the past few months.

Anyway, they mentioned something about some game being aired on 1260. So I rolled over there, and discovered ESPN Deportes. I've listened for a couple days now, and through the haze of barely understood Spanish, I've heard plenty of soccer discussion.

I have no idea what the programming situation is with that station. So far it seems like between 1530 and 1260 they're mostly airing the Express and the Rangers. Nevertheless, having ESPN Deportes on the air would suggest that the Aztex might be able to get their foot in the door there.

It wouldn't help me much unless they invent a 'learn Spanish instantly' program that I can download into my brain. But it certainly would be a coup for the team since it seems like it will be hard to squeeze in anywhere else, what with the Express and the Wranglers playing in the summer.

 

Just got back from lunch with my wife and in-laws, and on the way there (12:15 or so), had it on 1260. If I got it right, there was a local show on, talking to the owner of Houston Leones. I'm sure they were discussion the Leones and their relationship with a Mexican club, and their game next weekend in Austin. It had to have been someone from Leones, because I'm pretty sure they said something about their season opening this weekend against New Orleans. Yep, just checked the schedule on the USL website, and that's who they're playing.

So, Spanish speakers, tune in to 1260 at lunchtime, call in, and talk up the team!

Sadly, I would just make a fool of myself.

Though... it is tempting to call in and see if they'll speak English with me

 

Well, the Statesman finally mentioned the Aztex , albeit in a story about how minor league franchises can't seem to make it here. This opinion was experessed as a result of the Ice Bats decision to leave Austin. What really chaps my rear is the assumption that the Aztex are going to fail because we cannot get a crowd (yes, really reading between the lines). What should I expect though from an organization who has paid minimal (and that's only as a result of the February press announcement) attention to the team.

 

I've been writing a polite letter every week to the Sports section requesting coverage.

Maybe, just maybe, we can get in the Open Cup, beat a couple USL1/2 teams, and then get an MLS team. Then they'll write something.

*sigh*

 

A little bird told me today that the Statesman may be recovering from their self induced "insanity" state, and showing the Aztex some love.

 

Unfortunately I don't think beyond 1260 broadcasts, we are in for much luck. However with Austin being such a "tech" oriented city I am sure that there is some way to start streaming video or voice broadcasts.

I also think that Jeff Ward (was on the Austin Thunder of yesteryear) might listen to the pitch and try to assist in getting the team on air. I just know that there is way to get the Aztex out there with all of these supporters. Someone in the Empire must know the financial and technical requirements to get a streaming link set up.

 

It'd be nice to have the Statesman's attention, but seriously, who reads it anyway?

 

STXSoccer.com has the facilities (and a built in audience) to conduct a live streaming audio broadcast of the games. We are currently working on a high school broadcast package for next year, but would certainly love to do the Aztex as well, and continue carrying the PDL matches via streaming even when (not if!) the pro team gets a radio deal.

 

I would definitely listen to the away games if ya'll did broadcasts.

 

Well, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Maybe this short article about the Aztex from KXAN's website is that first step with english language coverage of the Aztex...

http://www.kxan.com/global/story.asp?s=8377246