400+ Media In Atlanta To Cover NCAA

A videographer from WISH-TV (CBS) in Indianapolis captures IU practicing at the Georgia Dome.

Jim Burress / WABE

Driving around Atlanta, you might notice some TV trucks with unfamiliar call letters.

That’s because more than 400 reporters, writers, videographers, and photographers are in town to cover the NCAA men’s basketball South Regionals.

Inside the Georgia Dome as Indiana University takes the court for practice, cameras snap and video cameras roll.

Jeremiah Johnson is standing in front of one.  The reporter with WXIN in Indianapolis has three shows to turn stories for–and just a few hours to do it.

“We’ll try to get the pulse of the players and the fans as well for the folks that weren’t able to make the trip to Atlanta,” Johnson says.

Rick VanHoose is an anchor with WLKY in Louisville.  Because that market covers both Indiana and Kentucky, he says he’ll have to do reports on both teams.

“Kentucky fans love Atlanta—love coming down here, and it’s always a fun atmosphere.”

VanHoose predicts a slight advantage for UK when it comes to fans making the trip.

And there’s Jay Hicks with KWTX-TV in Waco, Tx. He’s followed Baylor to Kansas City, Albuquerque, and now Atlanta.

“It’s been a good road so far,” Hicks says.

Media will either see the that road end here this weekend, or if their team advances, crews will follow them to New Orleans.  And do it all again next week.