Big news this morning, Tennessee Vols fans: Nashville’s WSMV 4 and sister stations WVLT and WMC have been designated as Official Television Stations of
Big news broke this morning that has Tennessee Volunteers fans buzzing across the state. WSMV 4 in Nashville, along with its sister stations WVLT in Knoxville and WMC in Memphis, have officially been designated as the Official Television Stations of the Tennessee Volunteers. This announcement marks a significant shift in how UT sports will be covered across Tennessee, combining the reach and resources of Gray Media Group with the legacy and loyalty of the University of Tennessee’s athletics programs. For the first time ever, UT athletics will have a unified statewide television presence, giving fans in every corner of the state unprecedented access to the Vols through free, over-the-air programming.
The deal is the result of a strategic partnership between the University of Tennessee Athletics Department, the Vol Network, and Gray Media. This agreement not only designates the stations as official partners of Tennessee Volunteers athletics but also launches an entirely new platform, the Tennessee Valley Sports Network (TVSN). This network will produce and broadcast more than seven hours of Tennessee athletics-related content each week, much of it original and exclusive. TVSN will be led by these three flagship stations but will eventually expand to include other Gray stations in Tennessee, including those in Chattanooga and Jackson, effectively creating a Vols television ecosystem that spans the entire state.
One of the most exciting components of this new venture is the launch of a brand-new pregame football show that will air live on game days, two hours before kickoff. The show, named “Volunteer Gameday,” will be hosted by the Voice of the Vols Mike Keith, WVLT anchor Brittany Tarwater, and former UT quarterback Heath Shuler. It promises to bring fans in-depth game previews, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and live atmosphere from either Neyland Stadium or on-location at away games. The program is being designed to become a cornerstone of the fan experience, both for those attending in person and those watching from home.
In addition to game-day coverage, TVSN will feature weekly programming that includes coach interviews, recruiting updates, player profiles, game recaps, and expert analysis. Volquest, the go-to source for in-depth Tennessee athletics coverage, will also be contributing to the programming lineup. Well-known Volquest personalities like Brent Hubbs, Austin Price, Rob Lewis, and Grant Ramey will play a central role in providing trusted commentary and insight. This kind of dedicated and consistent programming is expected to deepen fan engagement, deliver compelling content year-round, and strengthen the emotional connection between Tennessee fans and their favorite teams.
This partnership is a reflection of the growing demand for localized, university-driven sports content. College sports audiences are among the most passionate in the nation, and the University of Tennessee has long had one of the most loyal and widespread fanbases in all of college athletics. Until now, however, television coverage of UT sports varied widely by region and often lacked cohesion or consistency. With Gray Media’s substantial presence across the state and their strong broadcast infrastructure, the Vols now have a television home that matches the scope and intensity of their following.
In Nashville, WSMV 4 serves as the central hub of the operation. Jasmine Hardin, the station’s general manager and a regional vice president for Gray, shared her excitement about the new partnership. She explained that the idea for a statewide Vols television network had been in development for years, and the timing is finally right to bring it to life. She emphasized that this is more than a broadcast arrangement—it’s a long-term commitment to highlighting the stories, traditions, and excellence of UT athletics on a scale never before attempted.
Meanwhile, in Knoxville, WVLT has been a staple of Tennessee sports coverage for decades, and its inclusion in the network was a natural fit. General Manager Bruce Austin echoed the sentiment that the partnership represents a significant enhancement of their already strong relationship with UT and the Vol Network. The station’s proximity to campus and deep community roots position it to deliver some of the most intimate and insightful coverage on the network.
In Memphis, WMC extends the reach of TVSN into West Tennessee, an area with a strong and passionate Vols presence. While Memphis is often seen as a basketball town, its fans are fiercely loyal to the Volunteers and have long desired more consistent access to UT programming. Now, they’ll get just that, with dedicated weekly content and live pre-game coverage that brings the energy and excitement of Vols athletics straight to their living rooms.
Perhaps most importantly, all of this programming will be available free over-the-air. In an era when many sports fans are being priced out of premium networks or restricted by streaming blackouts, this move is refreshingly accessible. Whether you’re in a major metro or a rural part of the state, if you have an antenna, you’ll be able to watch. The network will also be exploring online and streaming options to reach fans outside of Tennessee or those who prefer to consume content digitally, though details on that front are still in development.
Another notable aspect of the deal is the opportunity it provides for advertising and sponsorship. With a unified statewide platform, regional and national brands can now partner with UT athletics in a way that ensures their messaging reaches the entirety of the Vols’ fanbase. This creates new revenue streams for both the university and its media partners while also giving fans a more tailored and immersive viewing experience.
From a fan perspective, the implications are exciting. Instead of hunting down highlights on social media or relying on sporadic cable coverage, Tennessee fans will now have a consistent, high-quality source for all things Vols. Whether it’s football in the fall, basketball in the winter, or baseball and Olympic sports in the spring, TVSN promises year-round content that celebrates the full spectrum of UT athletics. Fans will also get unprecedented access to coaches and players through exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes features, giving them a deeper understanding of the people and processes that drive success in Knoxville.
The impact of this initiative will likely be felt far beyond television. By creating a centralized platform for storytelling and coverage, the university is taking control of its narrative in a media landscape that is often fragmented and fast-moving. This approach allows Tennessee to highlight not just athletic achievements but also academic excellence, community service, and the broader mission of the university. It’s a holistic strategy that reinforces UT’s brand identity and aligns with the values of Volunteer Nation.
Mike Keith’s involvement as a host of the new pre-game show also brings significant credibility and enthusiasm to the project. A seasoned broadcaster with a commanding voice and deep Tennessee roots, Keith is widely respected by fans and peers alike. Joining him are Brittany Tarwater, who brings journalistic expertise and East Tennessee authenticity, and Heath Shuler, whose status as a former star quarterback and public servant adds historical perspective and charisma. Together, they form a trio capable of elevating the production value and fan engagement of the broadcast to new heights.
As with any major media endeavor, there will be challenges to navigate. Coordinating production across three cities, maintaining consistent quality, and meeting the high expectations of Vols fans won’t be easy. But the infrastructure and commitment shown by all involved suggest that the project is well positioned to succeed. The initial broadcast schedule is already in motion, with test runs and promotional content set to begin rolling out later this summer ahead of football season.
Looking ahead, the partnership runs through at least June 2028, providing a solid window of time to develop and expand the network. Future plans could include adding more sports-specific shows, integrating student-produced content from UT’s media school, and expanding digital offerings to create a hybrid broadcast-streaming model. Gray Media’s experience with regional sports coverage and local news production gives them a solid foundation to build from, and the university’s brand power ensures a built-in audience.
For fans of the Big Orange, this development signals the dawn of a new era. No longer limited by fragmented coverage or cable-only access, Tennessee supporters now have a consistent and free home for all their favorite teams. Whether it’s game-day hype, post-game breakdowns, or midweek features on standout student-athletes, the Tennessee Valley Sports Network promises to deliver the kind of comprehensive, compelling content that fans crave.
So as the 2025 football season draws near, Vols fans can expect more than just gridiron action. They can look forward to a full-fledged media experience that celebrates the pride, passion, and power of Tennessee athletics like never before.
