IHSA Announcement

September 10, 2007

IHSA and Fox Chicago Team Up to Distribute Student Video

FOXHILITES.COM
“You shoot it; we’ll share it.” TM

The IHSA, FOX Chicago and Illinois high schools have teamed up to put together the most comprehensive high school video website in the country.  After months of beta testing by FOX Chicago, FoxHilites.com is the pre-eminent source for student-produced video coverage of high school athletics, arts, academic events and more.  Developed by FOX Interactive Media, the same company that houses MySpace.com, FoxSports.com and IGN.com, FoxHiLites.com showcases game highlights, winning plays, amazing shots, talented athletes, funniest bloopers, great dramatic or musical performances, and academic competitions.  And all of these are shot and produced by students. 

“FoxHilites.com showcases our strong commitment to serve our community,” said Vice President and General Manager of FOX Chicago, Patrick Mullen. “It is the go-to place for people who are interested in high school sports, arts and academics.”  Anthony Holman, Assistant Executive Director of the IHSA added, “We are thrilled to partner with FOX Chicago.  For the first time, students will shoot and produce videos for other students and have an opportunity to upload them onto a site that will showcase their sport, their team, and their school at a broadcast quality level.”

The benefits for students and schools are many:

• Each student will be able to create their own profile within FoxHilites.com.
• Participating students who are on-going contributors are eligible for tours and clinics at the Fox Chicago studios.
• The best video of the week is featured on FOX News Chicago at 9 pm with recognition for the student and the school.
• FOX Chicago will produce an annual television special featuring the school year’s best clips in May 2008.
• FoxHiLites.com and the IHSA will award $12,000 in scholarships for the year’s best videos submissions. 
• The IHSA and FoxHiLites.com will select a panel of sportwriters/sportscasters from across the state to select the official “Football Player of the Year,” “Mr. Basketball” and “Ms. Basketball” awards.    

FoxHiLites.com features state-of-the-art web technology assuring that videos uploaded to the site can be viewed at the highest possible quality.  FoxHilites.com has cutting edge features and functionality including:

• Simple Video Upload capabilities
• Broadcast Quality Video Playback
• Easy Share capabilities
• Content preview/monitoring capabilities to assure appropriate online content

And coming soon to FoxHilites.com, a state-of-the-art online editing suite with graphics and music, as well as advanced search functions.

FoxHilites.com is a free service from FOX Chicago.  For more information, contact Dominic Mancuso at dominic.mancuso@foxtv.com ( 312-565-5557) or Bob McDonald at bob.mcdonald@foxtv.com ( 312-565-3022).