Utah Sports Fans, Thanks For A Great 2019 – Here’s To A Better 2020
Dec 31, 2019, 1:38 PM | Updated: Jun 3, 2020, 12:45 pm
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks over Zach Randolph #50 of the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 17, 2018 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – 2019 is over.
What a year.
As the calendar moves into 2020 for all of us, I’ve seen a number of posts on social media from people summing up their year; those that have moved across the country, moved out of the country, had kids, started medical school, and started new business ventures.
It was an eventful year for those of us as at sports.ksl.com, as well.
Momentum For Sports
Let’s level with one another for a second – it’s hard to watch the news these days. I don’t envy our colleagues at KSL TV and KSL Newsradio. It’s a challenge to keep the public engaged in the daily cycle of political headlines that bombard our social media feeds.
Thank goodness for sports.
It’s an escape – a way to keep one’s mind sane in an age where it’s becoming harder to do so.
That’s not the only reason we’re seeing an uptick in your interest in the TV shows, radio shows, podcasts and articles we’re putting out, but it’s a BIG contributing factor. At the very least, thank you for choosing to sample us for this content.
Essentially, KSL and Bonneville International chose the right time to start this sports effort.
What We’re Trying To Do
The Utah sports market is unique in comparison to other sports markets across the country. I’ve visited cities all over the United States, and in many of those cities, there is often one driving sports team that fans will pay attention to.
In Seattle, they’re all about the Seahawks.
In Denver, it’s the Broncos.
In Dallas, if you’re not covering the Cowboys with 9 different reporters, you should just quit.
In Utah, it’s not the same. The Utah Jazz bring everyone together. Kyle Whittingham’s Utes are compelling and can’t be ignored. And don’t get me started on BYU fans – you people are next-level crazy with the way you search out and consume content. I say that in the most respectful way possible.
What was your favorite moment of 2019 for Utah sports? @utahjazz #TakeNote @weberstatefb #PurpleReign @USUBasketball #AggiesAllTheWay @Utah_Football #GoUtes @BYUfootball #GoCougs @realsaltlake @RealMonarchs @UtahRoyalsFC https://t.co/WtC6iFyBJC
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 30, 2019
Basically, the sports.ksl.com team knows we have to be everywhere and serve (mostly) everyone to be relevant. It’s why we’ve put a huge emphasis on our social media feeds over the last year, and giving you stories and video where you want it, whether that be on your phone, TV, radio, or laptop. Check us out if you haven’t already.
2019 Changes
To this point, sports.ksl.com’s roster grew significantly over the last 365 days. We knew we needed help in some key areas, so we looked to credible voices to help us grow. Former Utah punter Tom Hackett joined us to bolster our Utes coverage. Since then, he’s also added the RSL beat to his plate, as well as a food show, Dine and Dash. With food and sports together, how can we go wrong?
After that, we knew we couldn’t ignore the Cougars. That’s a challenge. There are a lot of folks who want to be known as BYU insiders, but only a few can truly claim that title. Cougarboard, I hope we did you proud with Mitch Harper. I’ve never met a more true-blue person in my entire life. It’s a little eerie, TBH. Needless to say, Mitch’s ability to get inside the BYU program online, the Cougar Tracks podcast, and Cougar Sports Saturday on KSL Newsradio is second-to-none.
Some Personal News: Excited to announce the new chapter in my sports media career. I’m joining the team at KSL Sports as their #BYU Insider and host of Cougar Sports Saturday on KSL Newsradio. I’m so pumped for this new career at the legacy home of BYU sports. pic.twitter.com/5y5O9GDVui
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) May 31, 2019
We can’t forget the Utah Jazz. What a blessing Ben Anderson has been for us at sports.ksl.com. Here’s a guy that loves basketball, loves the NBA, grew up in Utah and understands the culture of Jazz fans. He really knows what is important to you guys and what to address to help you feel like you’re behind the scenes with him.
Excited to announce I’ll be covering the @UtahJazz this season for @kslsports, give them a follow on Twitter to find my coverage. pic.twitter.com/hXzxxOvNig
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) October 7, 2019
The Only Thing That Never Changes, Is Change
I could drone on and on about the positive momentum sports.ksl.com has created in 2019. From starting The Scotsman, adding Sam Farnsworth to our TV lineup, re-launching SportsBeat Afterhours with Hema Heimuli and Zak Hicken, not to mention the consistently good work Alex Kirry and Scott Mitchell do on KSL Newsradio every night, there are a lot of reasons to feel good about where things are headed.
But the only constant thing in media is change. We already have changes lined up for 2020. We hope to bring you a new KSL Sports app next year. We’re testing it right now, and it’s pretty slick. We should have live scores, standings, box scores, and more statistics for you to browse on sports.ksl.com as well. It’s an exciting time.
No matter what 2020 brings, it’s our goal to bring you the best content, and to help you feel like you’re connected to your favorite teams. We want to live the good and the bad with you in 2020, and it’s my hope that you’ll continue to let us deliver the emotions of fandom to you.
Happy New Year, everyone. Here’s to a prosperous 2020, for all our teams. Thanks for watching/listening/reading to KSL Sports.
Even to you crazy BYU fans. I’m looking at you, Mitch-ites. May you never change.
