New Initiative Connects Students at More Than 100 HBCUs to Internships and Careers in Sports TV Production and the Broadcast Industry
New York, NY – Sept. 28, 2022 – Sports Video Group (SVG) has teamed with YOSY Media (YOSY) to engage qualified students at the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCUs, in careers in sports broadcasting, production, and other industry opportunities. The new initiative titled “HBCU Bridge” will help connect broadcasters, leagues, teams, and production companies with students who want to enter the industry via paid internships, apprenticeships, or full-time employment.
“There is a tremendous need for new talent in the sports production industry, and this relationship will help open up new and exciting career opportunities and also ensure sports production and engineering has a solid foundation of talent for the future,” says Andrea Berry, SVG SPIRIT Diversity and Inclusion chairwoman.
A key part of the effort is making it easier for sports broadcasters, leagues, production services providers, and manufacturers to find qualified undergraduates and recent graduates for everything from internships to part-time and even full-time employment. In addition, HBCU Bridge will make students aware of how a career in sports production and technology can be rewarding.
“Many students are unaware of the wide variety of career opportunities in the TV and sports industry,” says Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG Co-Executive Director. “With HBCU Bridge, students will not only learn about those careers but also have real-world exposure and experiences that can lead to a fulfilling professional career. SVG member companies are excited to work with YOSY Media as we look to improve the diversity of the sports production industry.”
The partnership with YOSY Media, a trusted multi-media news, information, and Black culture platform created by Yolanda Starks-White, former BET Director of Talent and longtime Tom Joyner Executive Producer, and nationally syndicated media personality Sybil Wilkes, “The Voice of Reason” on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, draws on the legacy of the radio icon and his commitment to support students and sustain HBCUs across the country. A major donor, Mr. Joyner provided scholarships to more than 32,000 students and raised an excess of $69 million to HBCUs across the country before his retirement in 2019.
“YoSy Media is proud to play a role in the career advancement of deserving and talented students striving to reach their dreams,” said Ms. Starks-White. “For over 20 years, Sybil has demonstrated her tireless commitment to HBCUs and the future of our youth through her work with the Tom Joyner Foundation and her personal contributions. Her dedication and service have garnered the respect of HBCU presidents and established many long-lasting relationships. HBCU Bridge is a natural progression of our mission to create professional and life-changing opportunities for students and to open their minds, and the doors to previously unknown careers and professions often considered unattainable.”
HBCU Bridge’s website, www.hbcubridge.com, has launched today and includes details and application forms so that SVG members can connect with HBCU students for internships and other career development opportunities. Opportunities will include behind-the-scenes access to sporting event productions, life skills development, education, on-location training, and potential jobs. YoSy Media will work directly with HBCUs to reach interested students and recommend candidates.
Real-world opportunities will be complemented with virtual webinars that feature production talent who will discuss career opportunities, how to get started, and tips on career development. Broadcast companies interested in more information or in participating in the HBCU Bridge initiative can contact SVG’s Ken Kerschbaumer via email at kenkersch@sportsvideo.org.
About Sports Video Group: The Sports Video Group was formed in 2006 to support the professional community that relies on video, audio, and broadband technologies to produce and distribute sports content. Leagues, teams, players, broadcasters, webcasters, and consumer technology providers have joined the SVG to learn from each other, turn vision into reality, implement new innovations, while sharing experiences that will lead to advancements in the sports production/distribution process and the overall consumer sports experience. For more information visit www.sportsvideo.org
About YoSy Media: YoSy Media is a full-service multi-media news and information platform developed specifically to Inform and Empower the African American community. Lead by the highly respected and revered Sybil Wilkes, YoSy Media is poised to become the information destination for Black people. In 2019 after the Tom Joyner Morning Show ended its legendary run, Sybil along with entertainment executive, Yolanda Starks White created a media company to continue super-serving the African American community. The primary focus of YoSy Media is addressing overall Health and Wellness for Black people through: Political, Health, Financial, and Social Justice advocacy. YoSy Media dominates the industry, curating and disseminating news and information for people of color through multiple platforms. When you want the news, when you need it broken down, when you want to know what’s really going on, when you want to be Informed and Empowered, turn to YoSy Media for all your vital news needs. For more information, visit www.yosymedia.com
