AETN, AAA partner for state championship broadcasts

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) has partnered with the Arkansas Activities Association to broadcast all six divisions of the 2018 high school football state finals live from War Memorial Stadium.

AETN Executive Director Cortney Pledger and AAA associate executive director and media relations director Derek Walter announced the partnership at a news conference Monday.

“We hope to further connect Arkansans statewide by featuring hometown athletes competing in the biggest games of the season — possibly the biggest games of their young lives,” Pledger said. “Anyone who might otherwise be unable to attend can watch and cheer for their favorite teams.

“We are excited about the participation and sportsmanship this new endeavor will promote for student athletes, parents and fans across the state. As Arkansas’s only statewide broadcaster, we believe showcasing student athletes — and celebrating the value of extracurricular activities for students — is an excellent fit for our audiences.”

The state basketball championships, which are held in Hot Springs in March, will also be televisied by AETN. The football championships will be held Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8–9.

“We are extremely excited to partner with AETN in broadcasting our state championship games,” AAA Assistant Executive Director Derek Walter said. “For athletes in Arkansas, playing in a state championship is one of the biggest events in their lives. Being able to broadcast these events on statewide television will help make the championship stage even bigger.”

Games will be available to watch online at aetn.org/sports after broadcast.