ESPN viewership down

[ExFlyBoy5]

Do you know what would convince me to subscribe to a sports network? One that had NOT ONE SINGLE ANNOUNCER. Listening to ANY of them drivel on for hours at a time just wears me out. I remember a couple of years ago, there was a NFL game on that during the first 1/2 of the game, audio issues prevented ANY commentary at all...only the sound at the field. It was absolutely amazing!

[gcgang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExFlyBoy5 Do you know what would convince me to subscribe to a sports network? One that had NOT ONE SINGLE ANNOUNCER. Listening to ANY of them drivel on for hours at a time just wears me out. I remember a couple of years ago, there was a NFL game on that during the first 1/2 of the game, audio issues prevented ANY commentary at all...only the sound at the field. It was absolutely amazing!

I think I'd pay extra to be able to watch a game without announcers.

[jjquantz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExFlyBoy5 Do you know what would convince me to subscribe to a sports network? One that had NOT ONE SINGLE ANNOUNCER. Listening to ANY of them drivel on for hours at a time just wears me out. I remember a couple of years ago, there was a NFL game on that during the first 1/2 of the game, audio issues prevented ANY commentary at all...only the sound at the field. It was absolutely amazing!

On the rare occasion when I sit down and watch a game with DW, I will often "forget" to turn the sound back on after a commercial. For the most part, I think that my analysis of the happenings is at least as insightful as the announcers and, because it is inside my head, it is much less annoying. Unfortunately, DW usually looks up after few minutes and says, "Why isn't the sound on?" That's my cue to leave and go do something else.

She, and many others, I think, don't WATCH sporting events so much as have them on while they are doing something else. DW depends on the announcers to draw her attention to the TV when something happens - then she can see it on replay.

[RunningBum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjquantz She, and many others, I think, don't WATCH sporting events so much as have them on while they are doing something else. DW depends on the announcers to draw her attention to the TV when something happens - then she can see it on replay.

Put me in that group most of the time too.

btw, I did find a way to make the NFL more watchable. Dish has NFL RedZone, where they switch to whichever game as the action. And spend more time on close games, and games where a team is in the red zone. No commercials at all. One studio host, who does a good job of telling us which game they are switching to or saying when they are doing a replay of something we just missed. They'll go multiscreen when warranted. It really comes off well. The host doesn't try to be part of the show, he just facilitates. At most when one game is switching to commercial he'll cut it off and say something like "We don't do commercials at NFL RedZone, so we take you to the Bills-Bengals game." Once in awhile all games are at half or commercial so he'll cover some highlights or standings or the upcoming games. No deep or cornball analysis or arguing with another commentator.

[jjquantz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExFlyBoy5 Do you know what would convince me to subscribe to a sports network? One that had NOT ONE SINGLE ANNOUNCER. Listening to ANY of them drivel on for hours at a time just wears me out. I remember a couple of years ago, there was a NFL game on that during the first 1/2 of the game, audio issues prevented ANY commentary at all...only the sound at the field. It was absolutely amazing!

DW subscribes to MLB. They give three options for audio when streaming a game: home team TV crew, visiting team TV crew and stadium feed. I personally prefer "mute" but, at least for baseball, there is someone who provides what you are looking for.

[F-One]

Two things that have put me off of most sports are the inane color announcers and seemingly constant barrage of commercials.
A few years ago, I started watching English Premiere Football League(soccer). I have become a big fan. Reasons are no commercials and you know when it is over (no more than 2 hours - game done). Yes some games are not very exciting (but I have seen many college and NFL games just as boring), but the more you watch the more you appreciate the on-the-fly play.
I have not seen US soccer as well played, but have hopes that they will improve.