New York, NY, September 24, 2013 – Strategic Video Communications Firm D S Simon Productions has named Mike Bako as Director of its expanded Sports MarComm Division.
Bako is frequently an on-air commentator for Fox News and CW flagship WPIX in New York on sports and sports communication issues. He’s been with D S Simon for 18 months as Account and Marketing Manager.
He will be involved in strategy for brands developing sports marketing initiatives including viral video, content syndication, Internet and Satellite Media Tours and social media initiatives as well as Media Training for athletes and spokespeople.
In his role, he’ll report directly to company CEO Douglas Simon, who spent eight years at NBC Sports including work as Talent Assistant to legendary broadcaster Bob Costas. Simon’s insights into sports marketing and Super Bowl commercials were featured in an article on the HuffingtonPost this past year.
“Mike provides a perfect mix of marketing and media experience that provides extraordinary value to our client base. Because of the work we have been doing in this space we thought it would be the perfect time to brand our MarComm services” said Simon.
D S Simon will be providing broadcast crews, satellite trucks, and its four-camera studio with global HD transmission on a 24/7 basis during the weeks leading up to the Big game.
“It is a perfect time for this expansion with Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Our HD Broadcast studio is located less than two blocks from Fan Fest and just a short distance from the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel offering easy access to key locations during Super Bowl week” says Bako.
Other sports marketing initiatives include syndicated television programming for brand participation leading up to the big game, satellite and internet media tours, a daily B-Roll feed as well as client specific programming.
With over 26 years in the strategic video communications space D S Simon has worked on sports related initiatives for brands such as Sharp, Publisher’s Clearing House, Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope, Toys ‘R’ Us, Bacardi, Suzuki, HP Hood and The Heisman Foundation.
It has also worked with athletes and sports personalities such as Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, John Elway, Heisman Trophy Winner Desmond Howard, Sportscaster James Brown, and Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels.
“I am looking forward to expanding the scope of my work at D S Simon and leading the way in developing a broad range of projects for our sports clients“ said Bako.