Utah State Athletic Communications

The Utah State athletic communications office serves as the liaison for student-athletes and coaching staffs for all 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports at USU and senior administration within the athletic department with local, regional, national and international media. 

As Utah State Athletics enters the Pac-12 Conference, media interest and requests for access to coaches and student-athletes are expected to increase significantly. To ensure equitable access, maintain a professional environment, and protect the welfare and time commitments of our student-athletes and coaches, the Utah State Athletic Communications Office has established the following guidelines regarding media credentials and interview requests.

Communications Staff

Brent Beerends	Doug Hoffman	Jaden Johnson	Daniel Hansen
Contact for: Administration	Contact for: Football, Gymnastics, Men's Golf	Contact for: Men's Basketball, Soccer, Softball	Contact for: Football (secondary), Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Men's/Women's Tennis

Student Assistants

Vincent Rohrer	Katelyn Bytheway
Contact for: Track & Field/Cross Country	As assigned

 

These policies are designed to prioritize legitimate news coverage while providing a pathway for emerging digital media outlets to establish credibility and gain access.

Established News Organizations

Representatives of recognized and established media outlets may be granted credentials and interview access based upon available space and demonstrated coverage of Utah State Athletics.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Newspapers
• Television stations
• Radio stations
• Wire services
• National sports media organizations
• Conference and NCAA rights holders
• Established digital media outlets

Credential approval will be based on:

• Demonstrated history of consistent coverage.
• Editorial independence and journalistic standards.
• Intended use of content.
• Space availability.
• Compliance with NCAA, Pac-12 and Utah State Athletics policies.

Independent Media and Digital Content Creators
Utah State Athletics recognizes the growing role of digital media, podcasts, newsletters and independent content creators. However, credentials and interview opportunities are reserved for individuals who have established a history of producing original sports journalism and providing meaningful audience reach.

Professional Standards
Independent media members must:

• Maintain an active website, podcast or publication.
• Produce original content on a regular basis.
• Demonstrate adherence to accepted journalistic standards.
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner.
• Comply with NCAA, Pac-12 and Utah State Athletics media policies.

Approvals for credentials and interview access with digital media will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Interview Requests
All requests for interviews with Utah State administrators, coaches and student-athletes must be coordinated through the Athletic Communications Office.
Interview requests should:

• Be submitted at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible.
• Identify the specific subject and intended use of the interview.
• Respect team schedules, academic commitments and NCAA regulations.
• Be prepared and make the most of your interview opportunity. Complete your background research beforehand, keep your questions focused, and respect the time limitations established for the interview.

Utah State Athletics reserves the right to:

• Limit the number and frequency of interviews.
• Determine interview format and availability.
• Deny requests that are duplicative or not deemed beneficial to the promotion of Utah State Athletics.
• Prioritize rights holders and established media organizations.

One-on-one interviews and other special interview requests involving coaches and student-athletes on game day may not be able to be accommodated due to team preparation, competition schedules, and postgame responsibilities.

Credential Approval Factors
Credential decisions will consider:

1. Historical coverage of Utah State Athletics.
2. Audience size and demonstrated reach.
3. Frequency and quality of content produced.
4. Professional conduct and adherence to media policies.
5. Available space and operational limitations.
6. NCAA and Pac-12 regulations.
7. Whether the coverage serves the interests of Utah State Athletics and its student-athletes.
8. Single-game credential requests require a minimum of 24 hours' advance notice. Season credential requests must be submitted before the season begins.

Commercial Use, NIL and Social Media Content

Credential Use
Media credentials issued by Utah State Athletics are intended solely for legitimate news-gathering and editorial purposes. Credentials remain the property of Utah State Athletics and may be revoked at any time.

Credentials may not be transferred, sold or used by individuals other than the approved recipient.

Commercial and Promotional Activities
Credentialed access may not be used for:

• Commercial advertising or marketing purposes.
• Product endorsements.
• Sponsorship activations.
• Brand partnerships.
• Merchandise promotion.
• NIL-related promotional activities involving Utah State coaches or student-athletes.

Media credentials do not grant permission to use Utah State Athletics marks, logos or intellectual property for commercial purposes.

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)
Media members, content creators and independent reporters may not use credentialed access to facilitate or participate in NIL agreements, endorsement opportunities or other compensated arrangements involving Utah State student-athletes or coaches.

Any commercial or NIL-related requests must be coordinated separately through the appropriate Utah State Athletics personnel and are subject to institutional, NCAA and Pac-12 regulations.

Social Media and Content Distribution
Credentialed media members may share editorial content through traditional and digital platforms, including websites, podcasts, newsletters and social media channels.
However, credentialed access may not be used primarily for:

• Influencer marketing.
• Sponsored posts.
• Paid endorsements.
• Commercial video production.
• Content created on behalf of third parties without prior approval from Utah State Athletics.

Utah State Athletics reserves the right to determine whether content constitutes legitimate journalistic coverage or commercial activity.

Video and Photography Restrictions
Unless otherwise approved by the Athletic Communications Office or designated rights holders, credentialed media members may not:

• Live stream games, practices or team activities.
• Produce documentary or behind-the-scenes programming without prior approval.
• Capture or distribute footage that violates conference, NCAA or broadcast rights agreements.
• Record interviews for commercial or promotional purposes.

Broadcast rights and video usage policies established by the NCAA, Pac-12 Conference and Utah State Athletics shall supersede any credential privileges.

Revocation of Credentials
Utah State Athletics reserves the right to suspend or revoke credentials and deny future access to any individual or organization that:

• Violates NCAA, Pac-12 or institutional policies.
• Uses credentialed access for commercial or NIL purposes.
• Misrepresents affiliation or audience reach.
• Transfers or shares credentials with another individual.
• Demonstrates unprofessional conduct toward student-athletes, coaches, officials or staff.
• Interferes with team operations or competitive activities.

Right of Discretion
Issuance of a media credential or approval of an interview request is a privilege and not a right.

The Utah State Athletic Communications Office retains sole discretion in approving or denying credentials and interview requests based on institutional priorities, space limitations, professional standards and the overall interests of Utah State Athletics and its student-athletes.

Exclusive Authority
The Utah State Athletic Communications Office serves as the sole authority regarding:

• Issuance of media credentials.
• Approval of interview requests.
• Access to practices and team functions.
• Photography and video permissions.
• Postgame interview procedures.
• Credential revocation.

Receipt of credentials or interview access for one event or season does not establish precedent or guarantee future approval.

Policy Statement
As Utah State Athletics begins competition in the Pac-12 Conference, the Athletic Communications Office is implementing these policies to align with the increased media demands and standards associated with membership in one of the nation's premier conferences. The intent of these guidelines is to provide fair and consistent access while ensuring that coaches and student-athletes can balance media obligations with their competitive and academic responsibilities.

The Utah State Athletic Communications Office reserves the right to approve or deny credential and interview requests and to modify these policies as circumstances warrant.