University of Michigan Eliminates Athletic Media/Recruiting Guides

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan has agreed to halt the printing of athletic team media guides in an effort to develop new media initiatives for more effective communications and help with cost containment.

"With the new media environment and current economic climate, the decision to cut back in this area was prudent," said Bill Martin, University of Michigan director of athletics. "The discussion to eliminate the printed version of the media guide has been ongoing within the Big Ten and NCAA administrative services for some time.

"We understand there is a need for a stronger commitment to new media," Martin added. "Our alumni and fans want more timely information."

One of three Big 10 schools to announce the eradication of athletic guides joining Ohio State University and Wisconsin, Michgian announced its decision in a joint statement with Ohio State.

Both Martin and OSU director of athletics Gene Smith also noted it is important to make changes that will not affect the athletic and academic well-being of the schools' student-athletes.

"With Ohio State and Michigan together making this statement, I hope our decision will be a catalyst for other schools to follow suit," said Smith. "All athletic programs are in the midst of cost-containment discussions, but our decision is not only based on economics; the structure of media consumption has changed rapidly and we need to meet the challenges head on.

"New initiatives will have to be developed to allow media, recruits, alumni and fans to follow our teams," Smith added. "Social networking already plays a role in our communication plan and new platforms will continue to develop."

The elimination of printed media guides will take place immediately and effectively will result in a total cost reduction of more than $250,000 per year.