So much for simple or subtle.If it's a big game -- a sporting event that has become a cultural touchstone -- it apparently requires a more-is-better approach in terms of broadcast talent, too.
While CBS Sports has garnered some attention as it expands from a two-man broadcast team (Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg) to three (adding Steve Kerr), it has no exclusivity to the approach this weekend at the Final Four.
Westwood One, the radio home for the NCAA Tournament on 450 stations across the United States, has twice that many talkers.
After host John Tautges welcomes listeners to the broadcast, Westwood One still has enough for its own starting five. The team: play-by-play man Kevin Kugler; former national champion coach John Thompson; former coach and veteran analyst Bill Raftery; two-time national champion and three-time Final Four participant Bill Walton; and reporter Jim Gray, he of the lengthy resume and amazing ability to aggravate people.
On the TV side, CBS Sports hopes the addition of Kerr brings a bit more discussion and interaction to the booth. Ironically, while everyone associated with the move insists it's a no-egos, win-win addition, they also hope for some disagreement between Kellogg and Kerr during the broadcast.
"It's better TV," director Bob Fishman said Friday.
And honestly, more might be better on radio, too. As long as those involved keep in mind that it's the game that matters most, some varied perspectives can help and make a broadcast better.
Still, just like the larger venues the NCAA values as hosts for the Final Four (because of more ticket revenue), there is a point at which more can become a bit much. If the broadcasts have not reached that point, listeners and viewers can certainly hear and see it from here.
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