One week after providing viewers with the sights and sounds of the Super Bowl, IBEW technicians are back on a national stage this weekend.
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New York Local 1212 Barbara Hanford sets up an audio system at Daytona International Speedway. Hanford is in charge of the microphones and communications for all Fox Sports on-air talent inside the announcer’s booth during this year’s Daytona 500.
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This time, 76 of them will be working for Fox Sports during its telecast of the Daytona 500, often referred to as the “Great American Race.”
Fox’s coverage begins on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. EST from Daytona International Speedway, with the race starting 90 minutes later.
“The Daytona 500, not only the biggest race in NASCAR but its first each year, brings our family of IBEW technicians together once again – some here in Florida and some working remotely around the country,” said Mike Davies, Fox Sports’ senior vice president for Field and Technical Management & Operations.
“In these changing times in which we all work, the 500 exhibits ways the IBEW membership is adapting to some of the new challenges as well as the exciting opportunities ahead.”
The IBEW has a long history with the Daytona 500. Broadcasting members worked the race when it was televised by CBS from 1979-2000. This will be the 18th time they have worked the race for Fox, which televised the Daytona 500 for the first time in 2001 and every year since 2007.
The IBEW has had a professional relationship with Fox Sports since its founding in 1994.
“It’s a pretty good feeling to know our brothers and sisters helped make the Daytona 500 into the American tradition it is today,” International President Lonnie R. Stephenson said. “Our technicians did great work during the Super Bowl and I have no doubt that will continue this Sunday, even during the difficult working conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Broadcasting & Telecommunications Director Robert Prunn added that “the last year has been a challenging one but our members always rise to the challenge and get the show on the air.
“Live television is definitely a team sport and the Fox Sports team is second to none,” Prunn added. “We are proud of our relationship with Fox Sports and especially the work our members do to contribute to the overall success of the network.”