(SUNRISE, FL) – The Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) recognized Fox Sports Net Florida for programming and production excellence by awarding the network four Emmy Awards at its annual ceremony held on Saturday, December 7, 2002. Jeff Genthner, Fox Sports Net Florida's Senior Vice President and General Manager, made the announcement.
"It is a great honor to be recognized by our colleagues and peers within the Suncoast Chapter of NATAS for Fox Sports Net's commitment to excellence in sports programming and production," said Genthner. "Like the sporting events we televise, our success is a tribute to outstanding teamwork under the leadership of Brad Heard, Vice President of Programming and Operations, and the passionate members of the entire Fox Sports Net staff."
Fox Sports Net Florida's Emmy Awards were received in the following categories:
Outstanding Achievement for Sports Events, Live Events/Game Coverage:
- Florida Marlins Baseball – Brad Heard, executive producer, James Holly, director; Jeffrey Brenner, producer
- Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball – Brad Heard, executive producer; Thom Hastings, producer/director
Outstanding Achievement for Sports Program, Series:
- Marlins Strike Zone – Brad Heard, executive producer; Bob Grossman, director/producer; Sandra Van Meek, co-producer
Craft Achievement – Talent/Non-News:
- Marlins Strike Zone – Stephanie Bercuson
Fox Sports Net Florida was the only Emmy Award recipient for live coverage of a sporting event or game.
The Suncoast Chapter of NATAS presents Emmy Awards in the Southeastern United States, including Florida and regions of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Puerto Rico.
Fox Sports Net Florida reaches more than 4 million households in Florida. Fox Sports Net Florida's programming includes Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers, the University of Miami, and the University of South Florida, The Best Damn Sports Show Period, NASCAR, and The NFL Show. Fox Sports Net Florida is managed by Rainbow Sports Networks.
Rainbow Sports Networks is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Fox Sports Net reaches more than 82 million households nationwide and is a service of National Sports Partners, equally owned by Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., and Fox Entertainment Group. Rainbow Sports Networks incorporates Rainbow's 50% ownership in Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports National Advertising and the ownership and management of Fox Sports Net regional networks in five of the nation's largest markets: Chicago, San Francisco, New England, Ohio and Florida.