A New Era for Bison Broadcasts
WDAY-TV, the Fargo-based station owned by Forum Communications Co., is preparing to bid for the rights to air two North Dakota State University football games that have slipped past the national networks' selections.
The matchups — scheduled for September 5 against Fordham and for October 31 against UTEP — will stream on the Mountain West Conference's proprietary platform, MW+, should the bid succeed.
If the bid is approved, the games would be broadcast not only throughout North Dakota but also into neighboring pockets of Minnesota and South Dakota, expanding the reach of Bison football to a wider Upper Midwest audience.
Forum Communications has served as NDSU's local television partner since 2021, a relationship that gives the station a deep familiarity with the university's athletic programming and community ties.
The move reflects a broader shift in how college sports are distributed, as conferences seek to leverage their own digital platforms to capture viewers who might otherwise be left out of traditional broadcast slots.
Implications for the Upper Midwest
Local media analyst Josh Rohrer has pointed out that the potential partnership could provide a valuable outlet for fans in regions where over-the-air coverage has become increasingly limited.
Long-time columnist Mike McFeely, who has contributed to The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead since 1990, has also weighed in, emphasizing the cultural significance of keeping Bison games accessible to the communities that support them.
While the final decision rests with the Mountain West Conference and the networks involved, the outcome will likely influence future media negotiations for collegiate athletics across the country.