WIU Athletics Communication Media Interview Policy

All interview, photo and credential requests must be directed to the WIU Athletics Communications office for all media outlets. To arrange an interview, request a media credential for an upcoming WIU athletics event, or obtain additional WIU athletics materials (such as photos, logos, etc.), please contact the correct sports information contact listed at the bottom of the page. Please place all requests at least 24 hours in advance of the intended interview date or athletics event. 

NOTE: All WIU team members and athletics staff have been instructed not to conduct interviews if contacted directly by media outlets without prior approval from the WIU Athletics Communications office.

CREDENTIAL REQUESTS
For credential requests, please email the respective SID at least 24 hours in advance. Credentials are required for all home events across every sport, including volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, baseball, softball, and tennis.

PRESS ROW STATISTICS
Statistics, game notes, flip cards, game programs, and media guides will be available in the press area for each sport. Stats will be distributed several times during each game, and final stats will be available in the press area following the game. Wireless internet access is available throughout Western Hall (volleyball, basketball). Ethernet access and wireless access are available at Hanson Field (football, track), Mary Ellen McKee Stadium (softball), and Alfred D. Boyer Stadium (baseball).

PRINT MEDIA
A limited number of seats is available for print media on press row. Every effort will be made to grant one seat per outlet. Priority will be given to those outlets covering Western Illinois on a regular basis.

RADIO
One complimentary phone line (or Ethernet line) will be provided for the visiting team’s primary radio affiliate at baseball, football, men's and women's basketball, softball, and volleyball. 

INTERVIEW POLICIES
All interviews with Western Illinois University student-athletes, coaches, or staff members must be arranged through the Athletics Communications office. Media, including interviews done on an academic basis, should never contact a player or coach directly through email, text message, in person, or social media. If any party is contacted by a media member, they should immediately contact the Athletics Communications office. 

Personal contact information for student-athletes and coaches will not be given out to schedule an interview.  All pre-contest and telephone interview requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance through the Athletic Communications office and will be approved on a case-by-case basis. 

Post-event interviews will take place following a 10-20 minute cooling-off period for both teams. Interviews will be conducted either on the playing field or at a press conference, depending on the sport.

PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY
Photographers shall abide by all NCAA, OVC, and WIU guidelines at all times. Photographers shall remain inside the designated baseline areas during all event play and are not permitted to take photos or move behind the team benches and official table. The map is shown below on where the designated area is.

On-Camera flashes are prohibited during competition in addition to mounted strobes, unless you have received written permission from the WIU Athletic Communications office. 

 

PARKING
Parking on the Western Illinois campus is open after 5 p.m. weekdays in faculty/staff lots and Q lots. Parking credentials are required for events before 5 p.m. on weekdays, please contact Parking Services at (309) 298-1921. The large lot adjacent to Western Hall provides the easiest access to baseball, men's and women's basketball, football, softball, tennis, track and field, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball. 

INTERNET BROADCASTS 
All Leatherneck Sports Network broadcasts can be heard live at www.GoLeathernecks.com. All games broadcast live on video can be seen on GoLeathernecks.com, or select home events can be seen on ESPN+.

ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS STAFF

Dr. Caldwell-Conner - Associate AD for External Operations 

Jhon Garcia - Assistant AD for Communication, SID for: Football

Emma Hicken - Graduate Assistant, SID for: M/W Golf, Tennis, Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Bowling, and Baseball

Nick Gordon - Graduate Assistant, SID for: Men’s Basketball, M/W Soccer, M/W Cross Country, M/W Track and Field, and Softball