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Without a doubt, we live in a constantly changing information environment.

We are bombarded with images from the electronic media on a daily basis, images that for good or ill, affect and shape the way we see the world around.

It used to be that “the media” in terms of television, was something fairly abstract for many of us, especially when it came to news.

This really had a lot to do with the means of production. It’s hard for those of us in the business to believe that less than 20 years ago, the majority of newsgathering organizations in the United States still relied on film as their primary source of imaging.

Primary source. Videotape was the accepted form of recording for in-studio use and for Network level prime-time programs, but on the local level, it was very clunky to use in the field. On the plus side, the pictures stuck right to the tape. But it was a major production just to get the gear into the field. Film was easy to shoot, and with good quality gear looked nice -- but it was a slow process once you got back to the station. You had to process it, and then splice it together.

What did this mean for high school coverage? Well, where I grew up out west, it meant you got to see one football highlight on a Friday night, followed by a very long string of scores.

That was it. One game -- three or four plays -- and some scores.

We thought that was good. We didn’t know any better.

Then -- it all changed, almost overnight.

The portable mini-cam was still pretty heavy, with its separate tape recorder and connection cords -- but it was a quantum leap forward. Then, in the late 1980’s most stations went to a 1/2-inch tape format that allowed stations to shoot highlights of games with a relatively lightweight unit.

Available in multiple formats, it’s bigger than a video camcorder used by the general public, but much more portable than the video recorders that came before.

Now, the only thing that would have to change in the way of prep coverage, was the mindset of local stations.

In Michigan, that mind set has changed in very big way.

Unless you live in the Detroit metro area, you are likely to see some form of prep coverage on your local television affiliates on a regular basis.

Not only that, when it comes to football and basketball Fridays, the coverage can become extreme.

Let me give you an example. Our station, WLNS in Lansing, has increased its coverage of football on Fridays from three or four games in-town during the early 90’s, to 14 or 15 games now shot all across the viewing area.

If you are an athletic director, school official, player, fan or parent, rest assured -- we, the electronic media, are on the way to your school.

So don’t be surprised. Rather, be prepared.

We have all see the recent examples of bad sportsmanship over the past few years here in Michigan.

Two football teams brawl on the Lake Michigan shore, fans get involved, and it makes national headlines. It’s recorded for posterity.

Two mid-Michigan girls basketball teams get involved with taunting, words escalate into action, and a near-riot ensues. The camera is there to record it all.

Two boys basketball teams battle, when suddenly a particularily hard foul turns into a wrestling match, and then fans and parent spill onto the floor. Pandemonium ensues. The camera is there to record it all

There have been many group sessions held today here at the Lansing Center with an eye toward improving sportsmanship across the board in our school activities.

That’s not what we’re dealing with here...

What I’d like all of you to reflect and act on -- is that vivid image of your school that we in the media take away every time we pay a visit.

And we plan on paying many more visits.

Understand this. The sports media, those of us who produce daily shows in this state, have no real interest in making your school look bad.

In fact, from a sports standpoint, nothing could be further from the truth.

Often, when or news crews visit your community or neighborhood, it’s because something bad has occurred. Maybe a local official has been found, shall we say, lacking in character. Or, there’s been a murder. Or a child is missing.

Yes, there are many more positive things than negative going on where you live, but they don’t make the first segment of the local newscast.

Except in sports. We focus on the most important resource in your community -- your children. Your nieces, nephews, grandkids -- and win or lose, it can be a very positive snapshot of that special place you call home.

Or not.

One group of students holding up a rude or obscene sign for the cameras...

One parent abusing officials, coaches or, worse, players at the top of his or her lungs...

One...is all it takes.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Some of the responsibility here lies with the new gathering organization.

When our crew returns to studio from an event, the time allotted for editing of video tape is generally quite brief.

That editing time is crucial, though, because choices made in that little booth can make all the difference in the world when it comes to how people perceive the event that night, and the venue and school where it was held.

It’s incumbent on me and others in the field to ask questions of the photographer is we didn’t attend personally.

Who won? Who was the main star? And...

Did anything unusual happen.

It’s this last question that generally gets an answer of -- “No.”

But when the answer is “Yes?” Things get interesting.

If it’s just your average game between Midtown High and Rural Tech, with typical highlights but where late in the game a fan holds up a sign that says MIDTOWN HIGH S#$%’S!

Then if I’m a good editor, its not going to make the on-air copy.

It adds nothing to the game account. It’s not representative of what’s going on at the stadium or the gym. It’s just one fan acting like a moron.

However -- same fan holds up the sign. Camera pans left to Midtown High cheering section where fans see it, and react with obscene gestures. During the next time out, Rurals coach and Midtown coach start jawing back and forth. More fan reaction, followed now by pushing , shoving and a few punches. Officials have cleared the field but players have begun to join the fray.

It’s getting out of hand, and it all started with -- One person.

Yes, we will be rolling tape on this, and yes, you will see it tonight at 11 pm on the sports. Oh, and by the way -- news crews will be back tommorow to speak with school officials, parent, players and coaches for the infamous “follow-up,” which will give you either a chance to save face in the debacle, or dig a deeper hole.

What I’ve just illustrated is, of course, an extreme example, but also one gleaned from a real-life occurance right here in Mid-Michigan. In fact, I’m certain all of you can recall similar instances from your careers in either coaching or administration,and the fact that these are so memorable is ample reason to both prepare for their possible occurance, but better yet -- have a plan for avoiding!

First, if you live in an area that receives regular television coverage -- BE HAPPY!

Because I guarantee you, your athletes are.