Congressman Cohen Announces Southern Heritage Classic to be Broadcast to Troops Worldwide

“The Southern Heritage Classic is an excellent showcase for the City of Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. “While the timing of the broadcast is not ideal for Memphians, our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will have the opportunity to watch a broadcast of the game on Sunday morning.”

The Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx, which is celebrating its 19th year, showcases Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, two of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The perennial sellout draws tens of thousands of fans from around the country and generates millions of dollars for the City of Memphis.

“The Southern Heritage Classic always produces an excellent game that excites football fans from around the South,” said Congressman Cohen. “This new arrangement with the American Forces Network will excite football fans around the world.”

Southern Heritage Classic founder Fred Jones, Jr. said, “If I could think of any audience that we’d most want to provide convenient access to watch the Southern Heritage Classic, it is the men and women who serve in our military. Making it possible for them to experience the Classic from almost anywhere in the world is an exciting development. Thanks to SportSouth for facilitating getting the Southern Heritage Classic added to the AFN programming schedule and to Congressman Steve Cohen for his assistance, too.”

In May, Congressman Cohen contacted Corey Slutsky, Leader of the Sports and Entertainment Programming Division of AFN to offer assistance in coordinating coverage of the game with SportSouth and Southern Heritage Classic executives. Earlier today, Congressman Cohen was notified of the broadcast time.

The Southern Heritage Classic was founded by Fred Jones, Jr., in 1990 and quickly established itself as one of the premier sporting events in Mid-South. For more information on the Southern Heritage Classic and the events and concerts taking place in conjunction with the game, please visit www.southernheritageclassic.com.

For more information on the American Forces Network, please visit www.myafn.net.

- 30 -

Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265