ESPN AIRS 'BASS FEDERATION VIGNETTES'

ESPN AIRS 'BASS FEDERATION VIGNETTES'

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - ESPN has launched a series of mini-shows to celebrate the BASS Federation. The shows, called "Federation Vignettes," air during the weekend ESPN Outdoors block of television shows.

"The purpose of the 'Federation Vignettes' is to create a greater awareness of the BASS Federation and its role in youth, conservation, and tournament activities," said Gary Morgenstern, executive director, ESPN Outdoors. "Our show producers have taped many of the segments in urban settings in order to show the diversity of Federation membership."

The "Vignettes" include interviews with Federation members ranging from Jim Martin, a staff biologist for Pure Fishing, to Jerry Shawver, the 8th grade math teacher who won the 2003 CITGO BASS Federation Championship presented by Busch Beer. The interviews cover topics ranging from how Federation anglers qualify for the CITGO Bassmaster Classic to the best way to build a live release boat for fishing tournaments.

In upcoming vignettes, BASS founder Ray Scott describes the beginning and major accomplishments of the Federation; Ohio's Doug Clifford shares his experiences in teaching his special education students about fishing; 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Classic champion and 1999 BASS Federation Champion Mike Iaconelli disputes the idea that bass pros only learn from big, Southern impoundments; and BASS Times editor Matt Vincent explains how getting a copy of the Federation's magazine in the mailbox helps people catch more fish.

"It has been said from the very beginning of the Federation Program that the Federation is the 'backbone' of BASS," said Federation Director Don Corkran. "Many things accomplished by BASS were made possible by our strong leaders and members in the state BASS Federations, but for the most part, these leaders of our industry are unsung heroes. These vignettes help bring some much needed attention to their dedication and hard work."

Each "Vignette" begins with a question about the BASS Federation that is answered in the subsequent interview. Some questions address the Federation's role as a conservation group, fishing club, and youth organization, while others take on hot topics, like whether a certain geographic region is home to better anglers than any other.

"Federation Vignettes" airs at 9:25 a.m. (ET) on Saturdays through Dec. 27. For additional information or programming schedules, visit www.espnoutdoors.com.