Veterans in Action at NBA Finals

The Sports Video Group has launched an initiative that will help veterans of the American military more easily begin a career in sports broadcast and production. Known as SVG Veterans in Production (VIP), the group has already gained the support of NBA Entertainment, Major League Baseball, Fox Sports and HBO.

“The sports-production industry is hungry for new talent, and many of today’s new veterans have skill sets in electronics, wireless systems, IT-based infrastructures, and more that translate well to a career in the sports industry,” says Mike Rokosa, VP of Engineering, NBA Entertainment and Chair of SVG’s Veterans in Production (VIP) Committee. “But many of those veterans are unaware of the opportunities. Our goal is to close that information gap, help connect them with potential employers, and more.”

It is also believed that the passage of a new Senate bill that provides tax breaks of up to $9,600 for private employers who hire veterans could help spur interest in providing employment for those who have served.

Sports broadcasters and production  companies interested in hiring veterans and becoming part of the new group should e-mail Ken Kerschbaumer at kenkersch@sportsvideo.org.