RALEIGH/DURHAM - FOX 50 will broadcast 37 Durham Bulls’ baseball games live from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, N.C., from April 12, 2002, through September 2, 2002 on its digital channel WRAZ-DT.

The new digital television standards allow broadcasters to originate more than one channel of programming (multicasting) within their assigned digital channel. To watch the broadcast, viewers will need either a digital receiver tuned to channel 49 or be a subscriber to the Time-Warner digital cable service (currently available to approximately 150,000 households) where the game will be carried on channel 251.

“We are fortunate to have the ability to offer this service to our viewers,” said FOX 50 General Manager Tommy Schenck. “Multicasting allows us to provide our regularly scheduled programming, while at the same time providing coverage of Triple-A Baseball to loyal, Triangle area Bulls’ fans.”

Each member of the camera and production crew is a member of Explorer Post 50. The crew of twenty 14 - 19 year-olds come from Durham area high schools and work production positions during Durham Bulls home games. The Explorer Post, an extension of the Boy Scouts of America, offers teens an opportunity to gain valuable experience operating television production equipment and working on a complicated live show. Explorer Post 50 is sponsored by the Durham Bulls and FOX 50.

Play-by-play for the broadcast will be supplied by WDNC-AM 620, the flagship station of the Durham Bulls. Steve Barnes, the voice of the Durham Bulls, will call the action. Ken Tanner will provide color commentary.

“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Durham Bulls, it's great to be able to take advantage of this advanced technology. The past meets the future!" said George Habel, vice-president and general manager of the Durham Bulls.

The Durham Bulls are the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. owns the Durham Bulls and FOX 50 WRAZ-DT.