Posted: Dec. 21, 2011
The Phoenix Suns have named former Phoenix Mercury forward, Kayte Christensen, as the team’s new social media sideline reporter, the first position of its kind for a professional sports franchise. Christensen will join the club’s home-game broadcasts on Fox Sports Arizona and Arizona Sports 620 this season to share comments from fan discussions taking place on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
Christensen played seven seasons in the WNBA, including four with the Phoenix Mercury. She spent two seasons as the TV color analyst for the Mercury, in addition to working three years as a pre and post-game show analyst for the Sacramento Kings. Christensen began her broadcast career serving as a co-host on Suns.com’s weekly web show, Nothin’ But Net.
In addition to her new role, Christensen will serve as a color analyst for nine women’s collegiate basketball games on ESPN this season.
“Social media has become an integral part of how the Suns connect and interact with our fans on a daily basis,” said Suns VP of Digital, Jeramie McPeek. “Kayte’s knowledge of basketball, experience in broadcasting and love of social media will help us take that fan engagement to a new level, enhancing our game broadcasts and in-arena experience this season.”
As part of the Suns’ award-winning social media efforts, the team has also drafted a roster of 12 fans, who will serve as “social media ambassadors” for the 2011-12 season. The group will help the Suns’ digital team moderate live game-night chats and message boards, and monitor the Suns’ social media channels.