MPB’s “Friday Night Under the Lights” to Broadcast from The Auditorium Restaurant

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) radio program, “Friday Night Under the Lights,” will now broadcast live from The Auditorium Restaurant in Jackson, Miss, MPB announced today. The show airs on Friday nights from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Listeners who have been tuning in on Friday nights to hear Robinson field calls from high school football fans across Mississippi, will now be able to participate in person as part of a live audience at The Auditorium Restaurant.

“I’m thrilled about the new venue,” said Robinson. “The energy from a live audience will add to the excitement of game night for listeners across Mississippi.”

For 12 seasons, Robinson has captivated football fans with his enthusiastic post-game coverage Friday night football in Mississippi and has gained a loyal following of listeners from across the state.

“Friday Night Under the Lights” producer, Jay White, had this to say about Robinson, "Russ is a guy who has so much passion for high school football. When you listen to ‘Friday Night Under the Lights,’ you can hear it jumping out of the speakers. Football fans hear Russ' genuine excitement for the sport and can't help but to get fired up! He really enjoys talking one-on-one with folks from all over Mississippi about their football team."

Robinson is joined this season by co-host Kim Tanner. Tanner is a veteran in sports broadcasting and has been the on-field reporter for the MHSAA Championship football games for the last seven years.

Tanner said, “There is nothing quite as contagious as the enthusiasm of high school football. I live for this time of year! Being a part of “Friday Night Under the Lights” is an honor and one I take very seriously. Russ has built an incredible show over the years, and we have devoted callers who have been a part of it since it began. Coaches from around the state, players, moms, students, dedicated fans—a wonderful group of people who make the show informative, but even better, entertaining and fun.”

As part of the new format, each week “Friday Night Under the Lights” will invite teams playing in the Jackson metropolitan area to be a part of the studio audience.

Noting the show’s unique status as Mississippi’s most inclusive statewide scoreboard, Robinson says, “On our show fans from every school in Mississippi have equal ability to talk about their team. A 1-A team will have the same amount of attention given to their game as a 6-A team.”

“Friday Night Under the Lights” debuted in 1998. In 2008 MPB picked up the show. Each Friday night high school football fans call in from across the state to give game updates and share stories of the night’s activities.

“The show is Mississippi,” says Robinson. “Everybody knows that high school football is king in this state. ‘Friday Night Under the Lights’ provides a venue for Mississippians to share their enthusiasm for the game.”

For more information regarding MPB, visit www.mpbonline.org.

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Margaret McPhillips
September 28, 2009	601.432.6298
MPB’s “Friday Night Under the Lights” to Broadcast from The Auditorium Restaurant *Long-time host Russ Robinson to cover high school football before live audience*
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) radio program, “Friday Night Under the Lights,” will now broadcast live from The Auditorium Restaurant in Jackson, Miss, MPB announced today. The show airs on Friday nights from 10 p.m. until midnight. Listeners who have been tuning in on Friday nights to hear Robinson field calls from high school football fans across Mississippi, will now be able to participate in person as part of a live audience at The Auditorium Restaurant. “I’m thrilled about the new venue,” said Robinson. “The energy from a live audience will add to the excitement of game night for listeners across Mississippi.” For 12 seasons, Robinson has captivated football fans with his enthusiastic post-game coverage Friday night football in Mississippi and has gained a loyal following of listeners from across the state. “Friday Night Under the Lights” producer, Jay White, had this to say about Robinson, "Russ is a guy who has so much passion for high school football. When you listen to ‘Friday Night Under the Lights,’ you can hear it jumping out of the speakers. Football fans hear Russ' genuine excitement for the sport and can't help but to get fired up! He really enjoys talking one-on-one with folks from all over Mississippi about their football team." Robinson is joined this season by co-host Kim Tanner. Tanner is a veteran in sports broadcasting and has been the on-field reporter for the MHSAA Championship football games for the last seven years. Tanner said, “There is nothing quite as contagious as the enthusiasm of high school football. I live for this time of year! Being a part of “Friday Night Under the Lights” is an honor and one I take very seriously. Russ has built an incredible show over the years, and we have devoted callers who have been a part of it since it began. Coaches from around the state, players, moms, students, dedicated fans—a wonderful group of people who make the show informative, but even better, entertaining and fun.” As part of the new format, each week “Friday Night Under the Lights” will invite teams playing in the Jackson metropolitan area to be a part of the studio audience. Noting the show’s unique status as Mississippi’s most inclusive statewide scoreboard, Robinson says, “On our show fans from every school in Mississippi have equal ability to talk about their team. A 1-A team will have the same amount of attention given to their game as a 6-A team.” “Friday Night Under the Lights” debuted in 1998. In 2008 MPB picked up the show. Each Friday night high school football fans call in from across the state to give game updates and share stories of the night’s activities. “The show is Mississippi,” says Robinson. “Everybody knows that high school football is king in this state. ‘Friday Night Under the Lights’ provides a venue for Mississippians to share their enthusiasm for the game.” For more information regarding MPB, visit www.mpbonline.org.