The Shelan Sports Playbook

December 3, 2025

Why Choose a Local Broadcasting Company Over the NFHS Network?

Although the NFHS network is used by many high school athletic programs, we at Shelan Sports Media are confident that we can deliver a better experience for your athletes, families, and community! Let's go over 10 reasons why your program should choose a local broadcasting company instead.

1. A True “Home Broadcast” Experience

NFHS productions are mostly automated and generic.

Local broadcasters know your teams, athletes, rivalries, and traditions, while
Result: A personalized broadcast that feels like your program—not a national template.

2. Superior Production Quality

NFHS relies heavily on automated systems with no announcers and limited control.

Local companies provide professional play-by-play and color commentary, manual camera operation and custom graphics and scorebugs.
Result: A cleaner, more engaging, more professional broadcast.

3. Better Camera Work

Automated NFHS cameras frequently lose the puck/ball, mis-track players, or miss key moments.

Local companies have real people behind the camera, making real time decisions on where to point the camera.
Result: Human-operated cameras ensure you never miss a goal, big play, or emotion.

4. More Affordable & Flexible Pricing

NFHS requires multi-year school contracts and charges families subscription fees.

Local services offer pay-per-game, seasonal packages, and flexible options.
Result: Only pay for what you need—no long-term commitments.

5. Open & Easy Access for Families

NFHS requires paid subscriptions.

Local broadcasts can stream for free on YouTube, Facebook, or your website.
Result: Families, alumni, and scouts can watch without barriers.

6. Direct, Responsive Communication

With NFHS, you get a corporate help desk. 

With a local company, you speak directly with the broadcaster.
Result: Faster support, easier scheduling, and real-time adjustments.

7. Fully Customizable Broadcasts

NFHS cannot customize broadcasts beyond their basic template.

Local broadcasters can incorporate team logos and branding, player spotlights, sponsor ads, senior night features, special intro videos and more based on your needs.
Result: A broadcast that elevates your program’s brand and identity.

8. Supports the Local Sports Community

Working with a national company doesn't necessarily help support your community. 

Working with a local company invests directly back into the same community supporting your athletes, while you're supporting a local small business.
Result: Stronger community ties and more local engagement.

9. Consistent Talent Every Week

NFHS varies widely in quality, and often has no human operators.

Local crews bring the same voices, production teams, and style all season long.
Result: Reliable quality that families and athletes recognize.

10. Better Footage for Recruiting

NFHS offers automated feeds.

College coaches prefer well-shot, well-called broadcasts.
Result: Players get stronger film to support their recruiting efforts.

Now that we've touched on 10 reasons to choose a local broadcasting company over the NFHS Network, we hope that you have a better insight into how Shelan Sports Media can help! Be sure to check out our services page to see all that we offer! We are a full service sports media company. Please reach out with any questions that you have, and we'll be happy to share more!