Sept. 20, 2012
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Joe Fisher’s Mailbag Submit Your Question Wondering about a player, a game or another topic involving the Commodores? The Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will answer a variety of questions from fans during the season on VUcommodores.com. |
The broadcast is still delayed in real time. Less than the 15 seconds we heard for USC game but still about 8-10 seconds. Our group also asked the question: Since we are having so much reception problems with WLAC outside (static, fading), how will it be in Memorial Gym?
– Sam T. Harper (Tullahoma)
There were a number of questions in the mailbag this week regarding our flagship station signal as well as the delay of the broadcast. So, let me address both of those here. First, I greatly appreciate how many of you enjoy listening to the broadcasts not only at home or in your car, but also in the stands. As for the delay, it is the policy of Clear Channel (parent company of WLAC) that all broadcasts on all their stations across the country have a delay. We can thank Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl incident for that, as the Federal Communications Commission threatens significant fines if TV or radio stations carry what they deem profanity.
I, along with the folks at IMG and WLAC, agree that fans at the event should be able to listen to the game in real time. We are in the process of procuring a low power FM transmitter that will allow fans to tune to a designated frequency to hear John, Kevin and I in real time. I hope to have that in place by the Florida game. It is also my understanding that this same process will be available for use in Memorial Gym.
As for the issue of reception problems, most every station, AM or FM, has some kind of issue in this regard in terms of direction of the signal, traffic on adjacent frequencies, etc. I understand there is a tendency for more static with an AM signal, even one the strength of WLAC. I can tell you that all of us are aware of this, and will continue to work to find ways in the future to enhance the quality of our broadcast options locally, as well as continuing to pursue more network stations in other cities.
Let me finish by saying I am thrilled with our new partnership with Clear Channel and WLAC and feel this has been a tremendous upgrade for our program.
What are your thoughts in particular about our starting QB this week against Georgia?
– Ben Elasy
I think one thing is clear.Regardless of who gets the nod to start at Georgia, the other needs to be ready to play. Coach Franklin has already said once you make a move at quarterback, and you don’t have a clear-cut difference in the two options, it’s much easier to play both of them if situations arise where you feel one player may have a slight advantage over another. Though we’re going into a very tough environment under the lights in Athens, it’s good to have two quarterbacks who have already been in big game situations in their careers; Jordan here at VU and Austyn at Wyoming.
I noticed Patton Robinette didn’t play against Presbyterian although he’s listed as third on the depth chart.Is the plan to redshirt him this year?
– Brian D. (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Coach Franklin said a couple of weeks ago he had a bit of a discussion with Patton because there can be a tendency for a player at any position to go into what he called “redshirt mode.” A player who thinks he will not play this year may not practice with the same edge as a player who expects to play. It’s a natural reaction. Coach said after that discussion he’s seen great improvement in Patton, and though I know he’d probably prefer to hold him back it’s been made clear that if there comes a time when the staff feels he’s their best option to run the offense that he’ll go into the game.
Any chance we see Warren Norman returning punts or kickoffs?
– David (White Bluff, Tenn.)
I would never say never, David, but I don’t think so. I think they are comfortable with the guys handling the kickoff duties now and Warren really hasn’t handled punt returns here in the past.