Team arrivals have been chronicled and the initial news conferences have been completed.
Sports-talk radio shows broadcast all day long Monday from New Orleans -- with ESPN and CBS Sports Radio Network housed in separate areas while some smaller networks and stations from across the country made their home at a sparse Radio Row.
Business picks up Tuesday, though. That's when the teams, media members covering the Super Bowl and the usual mix of the unusual takes center stage for Media Day.
While the on-field sessions for coaches and players have been somewhat unproductive for working media members for years, the circus-like atmosphere works for the NFL because it makes news and provides a spectacle. It even attracts a crowd, with the general public again having access to watch from the stands this year.
Longtime NFL reporters might complain about the process, but they'll be there. They'll be joined by small pools or reporters (among them many from network TV affiliates across the country making the trek to New Orleans just for the week, especially Media Day). Of course, they'll be joined by correspondents from late-night television shows and reporters from across the world. All told during Super Bowl week, from the days leading up to the game to the game itself, the league will issue more than 5,200 media credentials.
So, Tuesday kicks things into high gear for news organizations of any size and whatever focus.
Not surprisingly, NFL Network plans four-and-a-half hours of live coverage, including what might be a sports TV first -- an NFL PR pro's perspective on Media Day and the week leading up to the game.
NFL Network has added Rich Dalyrmple, the Dallas Cowboys' vice president of public relations/communications, who has more than 20 years of experience, to its on-air team for the day to provide analysis and insight into what the public relations staffs, coaches and players are facing during the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
Amid the loud mess of media madness that happens on Media Day, the move to add the accomplished and respected Dalyrmple might get overlooked, and he might not get a lot of airtime. Still, he should provide in interesting and welcome behind-the-scenes perspective.
It's a nice move that will not take away from NFL Network's proven Media Day process that includes hosts Rich Eisen and Melissa Stark, along with Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp and roving reporter Deion Sanders.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Super Bowl Week 1 Offers Usually Unusual News
Some people think it's too much. Two weeks. Fourteen days. And dozens of football-related stories about the NFL and the Super Bowl but not really about the game itself.
That's how media members pass the time while coaches and players involved in the Feb. 3 game finalize their ticket requests and handle travel plans to New Orleans.
All that blather, all that anything-but-the-game focus seems too much for some people.
Not for me.
Already this week we've had ...
That's how media members pass the time while coaches and players involved in the Feb. 3 game finalize their ticket requests and handle travel plans to New Orleans.
All that blather, all that anything-but-the-game focus seems too much for some people.
Not for me.
Already this week we've had ...
- a he said-he said soap opera about a Super Bowl from 10 years ago, when both Tim Brown and Jerry Rice accused then-Raiders coach Bill Callahan of sabotaging the team's game plan against the Buccaneers;
- the reinstatement of New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, two weeks sooner than many expected and enabling him to do his job evaluating talent at the Senior Bowl;
- an update on the post-career plans of just-retired tight end Tony Gonzalez;
- a hopeful (depending on who relayed it) story about failed No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell hoping to rekindle his NFL career; and
- the NFL issuing a $10,000 fine to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for his legs up slide during the AFC Championship Game.
It's a mix of stories that shows the breadth and depth of the NFL on a daily basis. With 32 teams, hundreds of current and former players and all kinds of on- and off-field stories developing at any time, the NFL drives the sports news cycle every day -- from the meaningful to the mundane.
During what remains of these two weeks, the NFL gets the kind of attention it deserves. Perhaps not because it has always earned that attention, but certainly because people want to know what's happening. They're interested in those stories and media members are doing their jobs.
Because of that, these two weeks of NFL coverage are always enjoyable -- a trip that mixes the planned and staged with the unexpected and unpredictable. This first week usually produces most of the things nobody expected. Next week, we get the paint-by-the-numbers predictability, from Media Day to Radio Row silliness and even Hall of Fame voting.
Sure, two weeks can be a long time. But it's not too much time.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Not All of Best Teams Remain in NFL Playoffs
While the eight teams alive entering this weekend's Divisional Playoffs represent the best the NFL has to offer on the field, the same might not be true of all the broadcast pairings at this point of the season.
Six games remain in the the NFL season -- four this weekend, two next and, of course, the Super Bowl on Feb. 3. One broadcast tandem, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms of CBS Sports, will cover half of those games.
They might be, at best, the second-best broadcast team remaining in the playoffs, though. And the NFL's two best color commentators will not draw another assignment this season.
Here's the weekend lineup:
Green Bay at San Francisco (8 p.m., Fox) / Joe Buck-Troy Aikman
Houston at New England (4:30 p.m., CBS) / Jim Nantz-Phil Simms
All four TV tandems have strengths, with the Brennaman-Billick duo deservedly getting its first playoff assignment. And you could make a fairly strong case that that team is better than Nantz-Simms.
Overall, the four play-by-play men are solid pros who avoid hype and keep game broadcasts moving. Of the four, Buck's the best with Brennaman next and Nantz and Gumble behind them on my personal list.
Among the color commentators, an alphabetical list summarizes what they bring on gameday. That means top to bottom it's Aikman, Billick, Diedorf and Simms. As Billick, the former Baltimore Ravens coach, has toned down his smartest-man-in-the-room routine, his work has steadily improved.
Still, NFL fans will miss Chris Collinsworth and Mike Mayock of NBC Sports during the most important games of the season. Collinsworth is the best in the league at what he does, and Mayock is not far behind. They're always prepared, and both have opinions based on reporting and research. They do not just rant.
Next week, Buck-Aikman and Nantz-Simms get the conference championship game assignments, and Nantz-Simms will complete the season at the Super Bowl.
After 14 standout years as quarterback for the New York Giants, including an MVP performance in Super Bowl XXI, Simms has been the lead color commentator for CBS Sports' coverage of the NFL since 1998 and this season's assignment will mark his seventh Super Bowl assignment. (It's his fifth with CBS after working two for NBC Sports earlier in his career.) Still, his penchant for not offering an opinion or waffling sometimes offsets his wonderful experience and knowledge.
Six games remain in the the NFL season -- four this weekend, two next and, of course, the Super Bowl on Feb. 3. One broadcast tandem, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms of CBS Sports, will cover half of those games.
They might be, at best, the second-best broadcast team remaining in the playoffs, though. And the NFL's two best color commentators will not draw another assignment this season.
Here's the weekend lineup:
Saturday
Baltimore at Denver (4:30 p.m., CBS) / Greg Gumbel-Dan DierdorfGreen Bay at San Francisco (8 p.m., Fox) / Joe Buck-Troy Aikman
Sunday
Seattle at Atlanta (1 p.m., Fox) / Thom Brennaman-Brian BillickHouston at New England (4:30 p.m., CBS) / Jim Nantz-Phil Simms
All four TV tandems have strengths, with the Brennaman-Billick duo deservedly getting its first playoff assignment. And you could make a fairly strong case that that team is better than Nantz-Simms.
Overall, the four play-by-play men are solid pros who avoid hype and keep game broadcasts moving. Of the four, Buck's the best with Brennaman next and Nantz and Gumble behind them on my personal list.
Among the color commentators, an alphabetical list summarizes what they bring on gameday. That means top to bottom it's Aikman, Billick, Diedorf and Simms. As Billick, the former Baltimore Ravens coach, has toned down his smartest-man-in-the-room routine, his work has steadily improved.
Still, NFL fans will miss Chris Collinsworth and Mike Mayock of NBC Sports during the most important games of the season. Collinsworth is the best in the league at what he does, and Mayock is not far behind. They're always prepared, and both have opinions based on reporting and research. They do not just rant.
Next week, Buck-Aikman and Nantz-Simms get the conference championship game assignments, and Nantz-Simms will complete the season at the Super Bowl.
After 14 standout years as quarterback for the New York Giants, including an MVP performance in Super Bowl XXI, Simms has been the lead color commentator for CBS Sports' coverage of the NFL since 1998 and this season's assignment will mark his seventh Super Bowl assignment. (It's his fifth with CBS after working two for NBC Sports earlier in his career.) Still, his penchant for not offering an opinion or waffling sometimes offsets his wonderful experience and knowledge.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Appropriate Moves Start the Year for ESPN
Two personnel decisions by ESPN that became public Tuesday were the right moves for the individuals and for the network.
ESPN offered an apology for Brent Musburger's over-the-top comments about a female fan in the stands during the BCS National Championship Game. The network also refused to renew the contract of commentator Rob Parker for inappropriate comments he made in mid-December that prompted a suspension.
With 26 million viewers watching Alabama pummel Notre Dame, many more people heard Musburger's comments. And they were hard to miss because they simply should not have been part of the broadcast.
While ESPN had planned on mentioning Katherine Webb, the girlfriend of Alabama QB AJ McCarron and the reigning Miss Alabama, Musburger sounded more like a dirty old man than a veteran play-by-play talent with his comments. Color commentator Kirk Herbstreit chimed in a bit, but not nearly as much as Musburger.
To ESPN's credit, production personnel on site knew what was happening right away. According to a report in The New York Times, ESPN's executive vice president of production, John Wildhack, quickly told Musburger through his earpiece to "move on."
Social media reaction was swift and steady, though. Everyone heard, and they all thought the opinions that had nothing to do with the game were wrong.
Appropriately, ESPN offered a statement about the topic Tuesday: "We always try to capture interesting storylines and the relationship between an Auburn grad who is Miss Alabama and the current Alabama quarterback certainly et that test. However, we apologize that the commentary in this instance went too far and Brent understands that."
Perhaps the brouhaha and resulting statement might help remind on-air game talent, at least in some small way, to stay focused on the action on the field in the future.
Also appropriately, if overdue, ESPN confirmed Tuesday that it would not renew Parker's contract. The commentator was suspended in December for comments he made on "First Take" in which he questioned the "blackness" of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.
ESPN said Parker's contract expired at the end of the year and after the network evaluated its needs and Parker's work -- including the RG III comments -- a decision was made not to renew Parker's contract.
The "First Take" episode where Parker went analytically out of bounds aired Dec. 13. Although Parker issued an apology on Twitter a few days after the show, what was a 30-day suspension by ESPN simply was not enough. To its credit, ESPN listened to the reaction from viewers and made the separation between the parties permanent.
Of course, to its discredit, it's the format of "First Take" in particular -- and too many ESPN shows in general -- that encourage debate and ranting over content, context and conversation. In this instance, though, Parker went overboard.
While "First Take" regulars Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith get attention for their loud and firm opinions, they seem to have perfected an ability (thanks in large part to their ability to draw daytime ratings) to stop without going too far. Sure, they bother and even offend some people, and have done so repeatedly, but they have done a better job in recent months to keep from overstepping the bounds of rational discussion.
Unfortunately for Parker, he did not get it -- and still does not. During an TV interview in Detroit that aired Sunday, he said his comments were taken out of context and that he was shocked by the reaction to his comments.
VIDEO
While ESPN officials said Parker's TV interview was unrelated to its action, it's OK if that had been part of the decision. Without it, if that's true, the move to part company made sense. With it, the move made even more sense.
If ESPN repeated the action it took in both instances with all other matters of the same ilk as it moves forward, it would be a step toward enhanced on air products and increased respect and trust from viewers.
ESPN offered an apology for Brent Musburger's over-the-top comments about a female fan in the stands during the BCS National Championship Game. The network also refused to renew the contract of commentator Rob Parker for inappropriate comments he made in mid-December that prompted a suspension.
With 26 million viewers watching Alabama pummel Notre Dame, many more people heard Musburger's comments. And they were hard to miss because they simply should not have been part of the broadcast.
While ESPN had planned on mentioning Katherine Webb, the girlfriend of Alabama QB AJ McCarron and the reigning Miss Alabama, Musburger sounded more like a dirty old man than a veteran play-by-play talent with his comments. Color commentator Kirk Herbstreit chimed in a bit, but not nearly as much as Musburger.
To ESPN's credit, production personnel on site knew what was happening right away. According to a report in The New York Times, ESPN's executive vice president of production, John Wildhack, quickly told Musburger through his earpiece to "move on."
Social media reaction was swift and steady, though. Everyone heard, and they all thought the opinions that had nothing to do with the game were wrong.
Appropriately, ESPN offered a statement about the topic Tuesday: "We always try to capture interesting storylines and the relationship between an Auburn grad who is Miss Alabama and the current Alabama quarterback certainly et that test. However, we apologize that the commentary in this instance went too far and Brent understands that."
Perhaps the brouhaha and resulting statement might help remind on-air game talent, at least in some small way, to stay focused on the action on the field in the future.
Also appropriately, if overdue, ESPN confirmed Tuesday that it would not renew Parker's contract. The commentator was suspended in December for comments he made on "First Take" in which he questioned the "blackness" of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.
ESPN said Parker's contract expired at the end of the year and after the network evaluated its needs and Parker's work -- including the RG III comments -- a decision was made not to renew Parker's contract.
The "First Take" episode where Parker went analytically out of bounds aired Dec. 13. Although Parker issued an apology on Twitter a few days after the show, what was a 30-day suspension by ESPN simply was not enough. To its credit, ESPN listened to the reaction from viewers and made the separation between the parties permanent.
Of course, to its discredit, it's the format of "First Take" in particular -- and too many ESPN shows in general -- that encourage debate and ranting over content, context and conversation. In this instance, though, Parker went overboard.
While "First Take" regulars Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith get attention for their loud and firm opinions, they seem to have perfected an ability (thanks in large part to their ability to draw daytime ratings) to stop without going too far. Sure, they bother and even offend some people, and have done so repeatedly, but they have done a better job in recent months to keep from overstepping the bounds of rational discussion.
Unfortunately for Parker, he did not get it -- and still does not. During an TV interview in Detroit that aired Sunday, he said his comments were taken out of context and that he was shocked by the reaction to his comments.
VIDEO
While ESPN officials said Parker's TV interview was unrelated to its action, it's OK if that had been part of the decision. Without it, if that's true, the move to part company made sense. With it, the move made even more sense.
If ESPN repeated the action it took in both instances with all other matters of the same ilk as it moves forward, it would be a step toward enhanced on air products and increased respect and trust from viewers.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Highs and Lows (2012) and A Look Ahead (2013)
In 2012, another sports network officially came to life -- with the launch of NBC Sports Network (rebranded from Versus) on Jan. 2 -- and the year produced many moments when on-air and production types shone during game coverage and related programming.
Of course, there were moments when those same folks were out to lunch as well. One of the most noticeable came during ESPN's coverage of the Notre Dame-USC football game when Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit, as well as two sideline reporters and their supporting production personnel, missed the on-field action when Irish QB Everett Golson lost his helmet and was forced to leave the game or one play.
Without that perspective, the on-air team speculated about irrelevant penalties and unrelated game strategy, neither of which served the viewers who knew more by simply watching what was on the screen.
As usual, it was year filled with that mix of highs and lows. Some of my favorites follow, as well as a quick look ahead at 2013.
Best Studio Show
"College GameDay" -- On Saturday mornings, this show sets the stage for all of the day's college football action, and it does so in an engaging and informative manner. Its weekly on-campus location provides unparalleled atmosphere, as well as the backdrop for some schtick. Still, the show invariably rises above the silly and delivers information, insights and news.
While TNT's NBA studio show comes close, thriving in its own right on the strengths of opinions and personalities, "College GameDay" remains the standard for which all other studio shows should strive.
Best Studio Host
Chris Fowler, ESPN -- The best studio show rests squarely on the shoulders of the best host. Fowler knows college football and always keeps the show on track, across conferences, across newsworthy and across the country. He keeps things comfortable for viewers and his partners, but he's clearly in control.
Close behind would be Ernie Johnson of TNT, in large part because of his ability to keep a show that features Charles Barkley on task but mostly because Johnson is very good at what he does.
Best Play-by-Play Team
Mike Breen/Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN/ABC -- Engaging and entertaining, steady and solid, a true team. Breen never misses the nuts-and-bolts action while offering appropriate moments for Van Gundy to share his expertise and options. They play well together, and play well on TV as a result. They're serious about their work and also provide appropriately lighthearted moments as well.
Many others teams are close, but none are as good.
Best Play-by-Play Man
Joe Buck, Fox Sports -- He's their top guy for baseball and football, and he deserves that spot in both instances. He's simply a pro who relates game action well and allows his color commentators to do their jobs. The few moments when he does not do that, and imposes his own opinion on broadcasts, represent the only glaring downside to his work.
Best Color Commentator
Chris Collinsworth, NBC Sports -- Always prepared and always opinionated, the two best possible traits of a color commentator. He knows what he's talking about and he's not afraid to tell viewers why. Too often, people in his seat offer silliness or the same-old tired approach. That's just not the case with Collinsworth. He makes play-by-play man Al Michaels better, and he always keeps the viewers in mind.
Best Sideline Reporter
Tom Rinaldi, ESPN/ABC and Doris Burke, EPSN/ABC -- In a world of the over-blonde and under-talented, these two stand out because they act and look different. They're serious reporters who share provide context and information, knowing all the while that the show and the segment of the show on which they appear is not about them. Viewers appreciate that approach and the resulting work.
Best Insider/Expert
Peter King, NBC Sports/Sports Illustrated -- During his comparatively brief TV time on Sunday nights as part of "Football Night in America," King shares good, timely information. Like all the best insiders, though, he sets himself apart by contributing to numerous outlets on various platforms, always sharing the kind of information readers/listerners/viewers want and often cannot get anywhere else. His connections seem ot set him apart.
Newcomer of the Year
Adnan Virk, ESPN/ABC -- With several radio hosts, most notably Doug Gottlieb, leaving ESPN Radio for other opportunities, depth could be a slight concern for ESPN Radio moving forward. Plenty of talent exists, it's just not easy for someone who move into a role and quickly make a connection or prove themselves. Virk did that well when filling in for Mike Greenberg on "Mike & Mike in the Morning" and got additional airtime throughout the year. The Canadian-born talent started as a host on ESPNNEWS and seems set for bigger and bigger roles in coming years.
Comeback Talent of the Year
Joe Buck, Fox Sports -- OK, he never really left but after a virus in the laryngeal nerve of his left vocal cord hampered him (and almost ended his career) in 2011, Buck recovered and returned to his usual high level of performance.
Where Have You Gone Award
Erin Andrews, Fox Sports -- Hired as host spot on the network's mostly overlooked college football studio show on Saturday nights, Andrews might not have been seen by any fewer viewers than she was in her role as a sideline reporter for games on ESPN/ABC, but she certainly seemed like a less important part of gamedays. Plus, she has not yet developed the gravitas to be a studio host.
TV Moment of the Year
Game-Winning Touchdown on "Monday Night Football" -- The controversial game-ending play as the Green Bay Packers lost to the Seattle Seahawks was the final game action of the season for the NFL's replacement officials and it was something that would not have happened without TV.
The shared-possession/touchdown call itself would have been problematic for the regular officials but that was really not a primary part of the discussion after viewers saw they play and then flocked in record numbers to watch "SportsCenter" after the game ended.
TV's ability to show the play from all angles fueled debate and quickly prompted league officials to end the dispute with officials. It was a testament to the power of TV.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2013
Four things to watch for in radio/TV during the coming year.
1) The launch of CBS Sports Radio on Jan. 2 provides a challenge on another front for ESPN and ESPN Radio. With talent such as John Feinstein, Jim Rome and Doug Gottlieb -- each of whom hosts consecutive three-hour shows beginning at 9 a.m. -- and important support from CBS and Cumulus Media the sports network's lineup has already supplanted ESPN offerings in some markets.
2) The need for programming for CBS Sports Network and NBC Sports Network as they strive to compete with ESPN will drive rights fees for live events and related programming to even higher levels. Live sports events on TV remain highly desirable programming because viewers generally do not record those events. They watch -- and that's what the fledgling networks need.
3) The launch of a network for the Southeastern Conference should provide even more revenue for programs in that conference.
Of course, there were moments when those same folks were out to lunch as well. One of the most noticeable came during ESPN's coverage of the Notre Dame-USC football game when Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit, as well as two sideline reporters and their supporting production personnel, missed the on-field action when Irish QB Everett Golson lost his helmet and was forced to leave the game or one play.
Without that perspective, the on-air team speculated about irrelevant penalties and unrelated game strategy, neither of which served the viewers who knew more by simply watching what was on the screen.
As usual, it was year filled with that mix of highs and lows. Some of my favorites follow, as well as a quick look ahead at 2013.
Best Studio Show
"College GameDay" -- On Saturday mornings, this show sets the stage for all of the day's college football action, and it does so in an engaging and informative manner. Its weekly on-campus location provides unparalleled atmosphere, as well as the backdrop for some schtick. Still, the show invariably rises above the silly and delivers information, insights and news.
While TNT's NBA studio show comes close, thriving in its own right on the strengths of opinions and personalities, "College GameDay" remains the standard for which all other studio shows should strive.
Best Studio Host
Chris Fowler, ESPN -- The best studio show rests squarely on the shoulders of the best host. Fowler knows college football and always keeps the show on track, across conferences, across newsworthy and across the country. He keeps things comfortable for viewers and his partners, but he's clearly in control.
Close behind would be Ernie Johnson of TNT, in large part because of his ability to keep a show that features Charles Barkley on task but mostly because Johnson is very good at what he does.
Best Play-by-Play Team
Mike Breen/Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN/ABC -- Engaging and entertaining, steady and solid, a true team. Breen never misses the nuts-and-bolts action while offering appropriate moments for Van Gundy to share his expertise and options. They play well together, and play well on TV as a result. They're serious about their work and also provide appropriately lighthearted moments as well.
Many others teams are close, but none are as good.
Best Play-by-Play Man
Joe Buck, Fox Sports -- He's their top guy for baseball and football, and he deserves that spot in both instances. He's simply a pro who relates game action well and allows his color commentators to do their jobs. The few moments when he does not do that, and imposes his own opinion on broadcasts, represent the only glaring downside to his work.
Best Color Commentator
Chris Collinsworth, NBC Sports -- Always prepared and always opinionated, the two best possible traits of a color commentator. He knows what he's talking about and he's not afraid to tell viewers why. Too often, people in his seat offer silliness or the same-old tired approach. That's just not the case with Collinsworth. He makes play-by-play man Al Michaels better, and he always keeps the viewers in mind.
Best Sideline Reporter
Tom Rinaldi, ESPN/ABC and Doris Burke, EPSN/ABC -- In a world of the over-blonde and under-talented, these two stand out because they act and look different. They're serious reporters who share provide context and information, knowing all the while that the show and the segment of the show on which they appear is not about them. Viewers appreciate that approach and the resulting work.
Best Insider/Expert
Peter King, NBC Sports/Sports Illustrated -- During his comparatively brief TV time on Sunday nights as part of "Football Night in America," King shares good, timely information. Like all the best insiders, though, he sets himself apart by contributing to numerous outlets on various platforms, always sharing the kind of information readers/listerners/viewers want and often cannot get anywhere else. His connections seem ot set him apart.
Newcomer of the Year
Adnan Virk, ESPN/ABC -- With several radio hosts, most notably Doug Gottlieb, leaving ESPN Radio for other opportunities, depth could be a slight concern for ESPN Radio moving forward. Plenty of talent exists, it's just not easy for someone who move into a role and quickly make a connection or prove themselves. Virk did that well when filling in for Mike Greenberg on "Mike & Mike in the Morning" and got additional airtime throughout the year. The Canadian-born talent started as a host on ESPNNEWS and seems set for bigger and bigger roles in coming years.
Comeback Talent of the Year
Joe Buck, Fox Sports -- OK, he never really left but after a virus in the laryngeal nerve of his left vocal cord hampered him (and almost ended his career) in 2011, Buck recovered and returned to his usual high level of performance.
Where Have You Gone Award
Erin Andrews, Fox Sports -- Hired as host spot on the network's mostly overlooked college football studio show on Saturday nights, Andrews might not have been seen by any fewer viewers than she was in her role as a sideline reporter for games on ESPN/ABC, but she certainly seemed like a less important part of gamedays. Plus, she has not yet developed the gravitas to be a studio host.
TV Moment of the Year
Game-Winning Touchdown on "Monday Night Football" -- The controversial game-ending play as the Green Bay Packers lost to the Seattle Seahawks was the final game action of the season for the NFL's replacement officials and it was something that would not have happened without TV.
The shared-possession/touchdown call itself would have been problematic for the regular officials but that was really not a primary part of the discussion after viewers saw they play and then flocked in record numbers to watch "SportsCenter" after the game ended.
TV's ability to show the play from all angles fueled debate and quickly prompted league officials to end the dispute with officials. It was a testament to the power of TV.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2013
Four things to watch for in radio/TV during the coming year.
1) The launch of CBS Sports Radio on Jan. 2 provides a challenge on another front for ESPN and ESPN Radio. With talent such as John Feinstein, Jim Rome and Doug Gottlieb -- each of whom hosts consecutive three-hour shows beginning at 9 a.m. -- and important support from CBS and Cumulus Media the sports network's lineup has already supplanted ESPN offerings in some markets.
2) The need for programming for CBS Sports Network and NBC Sports Network as they strive to compete with ESPN will drive rights fees for live events and related programming to even higher levels. Live sports events on TV remain highly desirable programming because viewers generally do not record those events. They watch -- and that's what the fledgling networks need.
3) The launch of a network for the Southeastern Conference should provide even more revenue for programs in that conference.
4) The debut, albeit a one-time-only affair, for Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale as they work a college basketball game together.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Avengers? Nah, The World Really Turns to Sports as Broadcasters Do a Job That's Not Really Theirs
In a time of crisis or need, a time of despair or tragedy, people the world over turn to sports. As an extension, they to sports broadcasts.
It's not just that people seek sporting events as a diversion or something that can bring a sense of normalcy. At its misplaced worst, those seekers want perspective as well.
The understandable need for community, shared perspectives and support drives many to burden sports leagues, teams and especially the sports broadcasters -- whether it's during the games themselves or as part of the associated pre-game and studio shows -- to provide a barometer of concern and some measure of news gathering and reporting about the crisis of the day.
In so many ways, that's like asking a dentist to set a broken leg. The person or persons doing the work might have some sense of how it's done, but it's hardly their job.
This past weekend's reaction to the horrific shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., provides the latest example.
Too many people expected networks to lead their NFL pre-game shows and game broadcasts with coverage of the tragedy. The broadcasters did so, and in general they did so in an appropriate manner.
Still, it's really not their job -- and even those in charge know it. Credit NBA commissioner David Stern for admitting as much Tuesday when discussing his league's moments of silence and efforts related to the tragedy with "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio.
"There is no way to help. When we do those tributes and moments of silence, we're more helping ourselves than anything else," Stern said. "You do the necessary, which is pay tribute of some kind, but the images were so graphic and sad that I just don't think sports adds anything. We all together felt so helpless watching this, that it was more profound than anything we could have done."
Not even such honesty -- which those in charge across broadcast networks and leagues certainly share if they're truly open about it -- can limit expectations, though. Hypersensitive and thin-skinned consumers and critics, often the most vocal of all who listen or watch, always want more. And in this latest instance broadcasters acquiesced.
On ESPN's coverage of the New Mexico Bowl, for example, the on-air tandem of Bob Wischusen and Danny Kanell referred to Nevada's pistol offense as the "Nevada offense" to avoid any reference to guns.
In fairness, some outlets and schools do have a higher level of responsibility in this situation. They have the credibility and proximity to address the situation with as much concern as they would like. That includes ESPN, located just a half hour or so from the site of the shootings, and New York-area professional teams, as well as UConn and other local colleges and universities.
Beyond that, sports media types really should not be expected to weigh in on the matter. They have other jobs to do.
That they do offer perspective, though, provides more insight about their personality, and the humanity of the people producing the shows. It's a good thing for them to do. It's the right thing for them to do. But it's not their job -- especially in regard to the death of 20 young children and six adults in a shooting spree by a disturbed young man.
Broadcasters must cover a murder-suicide involving an NFL player that took place in part at a team's practice facility, which happened three weeks ago. They also must cover the death of an NFL player in a drunk-driving accident when a teammate was driving the vehicle, which happened two weeks ago.
When we have expectations of what happens on TV or radio in regard to coverage of the tragic deaths of elementary school children, though, those expectations should be heaped on newscasts and cable news networks, not outlets that focus on sports. Instead, we should appreciate their work and thank them for providing that community, that forum and that shared place to enjoy (just a little bit) a small bit of normalcy. Anything beyond that is not their job.
It's not just that people seek sporting events as a diversion or something that can bring a sense of normalcy. At its misplaced worst, those seekers want perspective as well.
The understandable need for community, shared perspectives and support drives many to burden sports leagues, teams and especially the sports broadcasters -- whether it's during the games themselves or as part of the associated pre-game and studio shows -- to provide a barometer of concern and some measure of news gathering and reporting about the crisis of the day.
In so many ways, that's like asking a dentist to set a broken leg. The person or persons doing the work might have some sense of how it's done, but it's hardly their job.
This past weekend's reaction to the horrific shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., provides the latest example.
Too many people expected networks to lead their NFL pre-game shows and game broadcasts with coverage of the tragedy. The broadcasters did so, and in general they did so in an appropriate manner.
Still, it's really not their job -- and even those in charge know it. Credit NBA commissioner David Stern for admitting as much Tuesday when discussing his league's moments of silence and efforts related to the tragedy with "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio.
"There is no way to help. When we do those tributes and moments of silence, we're more helping ourselves than anything else," Stern said. "You do the necessary, which is pay tribute of some kind, but the images were so graphic and sad that I just don't think sports adds anything. We all together felt so helpless watching this, that it was more profound than anything we could have done."
Not even such honesty -- which those in charge across broadcast networks and leagues certainly share if they're truly open about it -- can limit expectations, though. Hypersensitive and thin-skinned consumers and critics, often the most vocal of all who listen or watch, always want more. And in this latest instance broadcasters acquiesced.
On ESPN's coverage of the New Mexico Bowl, for example, the on-air tandem of Bob Wischusen and Danny Kanell referred to Nevada's pistol offense as the "Nevada offense" to avoid any reference to guns.
In fairness, some outlets and schools do have a higher level of responsibility in this situation. They have the credibility and proximity to address the situation with as much concern as they would like. That includes ESPN, located just a half hour or so from the site of the shootings, and New York-area professional teams, as well as UConn and other local colleges and universities.
Beyond that, sports media types really should not be expected to weigh in on the matter. They have other jobs to do.
That they do offer perspective, though, provides more insight about their personality, and the humanity of the people producing the shows. It's a good thing for them to do. It's the right thing for them to do. But it's not their job -- especially in regard to the death of 20 young children and six adults in a shooting spree by a disturbed young man.
Broadcasters must cover a murder-suicide involving an NFL player that took place in part at a team's practice facility, which happened three weeks ago. They also must cover the death of an NFL player in a drunk-driving accident when a teammate was driving the vehicle, which happened two weeks ago.
When we have expectations of what happens on TV or radio in regard to coverage of the tragic deaths of elementary school children, though, those expectations should be heaped on newscasts and cable news networks, not outlets that focus on sports. Instead, we should appreciate their work and thank them for providing that community, that forum and that shared place to enjoy (just a little bit) a small bit of normalcy. Anything beyond that is not their job.
Friday, November 30, 2012
A&R: Expect Another Big Number in Birmingham
Expect Birmingham, Ala., to pull the nation's biggest number among TV markets for the game.
That's hardly a surprise, though. Birmingham viewers watch college football, especially Alabama, more passionately and regularly than anyone else in the United States. While the game might be in Atlanta, with Georgia involved, it'll still be Birmingham that moves the needle the most.
Some not-surprising decisions, two mistakes and one bit of appropriate sports PR chutzpah provide other points for this edition of Act & React. Please follow along ...
Act: The San Antonio Spurs take a no-stars-on-the-floor approach for their game against the Miami Heat and NBA commissioner David Stern promises appropriate actions from the league.
React: Some might consider it much ado about nothing because Spurs coach Gregg Popovich can certainly put whomever he wants on the court as he, from his perspective, keeps his eye on an eventual championship at the end of the season as compared to a regular season game in late November. After a series of road games, the Spurs' decision to rest some players might seem logical to some.
But, it was a nationally televised game against the defending champion Heat for a league that likes to promote the star power of its individual standouts.
So, it's much ado about TV -- and a league's relationship with a broadcast partner. With his stance, Stern is protecting an NBA partner that pumps some $400 million a year into the league.
While Popovich's decision is not surprising, neither is that of Stern. But, you have to think the commissioner would feel differently if the game involved other teams with different stars and the game was not on TV. Interestingly, the game still pulled a decent 1.7 overnight rating.
In terms of the protagonists in the little drama, Stern correctly and invariably protects his league -- that's his job, even if he seems like a bully, petty or even pugnacious at times -- while Popovich's strong will sometimes does not get viewed regularly nationally simply because he works in San Antonio. If he'd coached all these years in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, fans would certainly react to/view him in much stronger terms.
Act: TV color commentator Solomon Wolcotts talks about Steelers DB Ryan Smith wearing a larger, supposedly safer helmet and compares him to Great Kazoo.
React: Good idea, but while that might be the name of a some sort of giant musical instrument it's certainly not the correct cultural reference. It should be the Great Gazoo, from "The Flintstones."
Act: The broadcast team for last week's Notre Dame-USC missed an obvious storyline last week.
React: First, it was an inexcusable mistake for a top on-air tandem (Brent Musburger-Kirk Herbstreit) supported by two sideline reporters and a team of production personnel. While viewers clearly saw Nortre Dame quarterback Everett Golson go out of bounds, get hit and lose his helmet -- necessitating, by rule, that he miss at least one play -- the broadcasters only focused on his absence.
They speculated about an injury to Golson. They wondered if a quarterback rotation was part of the game plan.
All the while, cameras had caught the action and the director even had a shot of Golson on the sideline working with an equipment manager to check his helmet.
Still, Musburger and Herbstreit rambled on about the situation. And nobody corrected them. It was a mistake that should not have happened -- especially with that much talent on site and viewers seeing the entire story themselves but being told something else by the folks in the booth.
Act: The wording of choice at Penn State has become "on-field record."
React: Although NCAA sanctions stripped the Penn State football program of 112 victories -- requiring a re-write of record books and, at least officially, changing what happened during games that multiple thousands of people saw in person, listened to on radio or watched on TV -- the athletic department admirably and wisely found a way to refer to those games and the records related to them on social media and outer outlets as the season progressed. On Twitter especially, references were made to the program's "on-field record" in those games, or in series against other teams. That's a nice move, as they follow the letter of the ruling and make changes where necessary but acknowledge reality for fans who care enough to follow the program on social media.
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