For the second time in recent weeks, the Prem is on Fox. Real life network television in the United States. As a soccer fan, I am torn by this development.
While I am anxious for soccer to increase its profile among the American fan, I want it to do so on the strength of the game. That is to say, the beauty and elegance of the this sport. The stories, teams, history and tradition are what pulled me in. It certainly brings enough drama and passion that, when given a chance, can convert. I have seen this first hand. When a fan is educated about the history of the teams, leagues and competitions, many will make the leap.
On the other hand, when watching the game on Fox, it seems more like a "product". It seems that they have borrowed many of the production gimmicks that have been used in so many American sports productions. It seems to be borrowing some of the music and graphics etc. In fact, I even feel like the Fox Sports personalities even behave differently, although perhaps this is just perception due to the negative attitude I am taking in.
It is my sincere hope, that the new NBC Sports channel that will be covering the MLS (or is it an MLS) can sell and present it as soccer and not as something that can be used as a substitute for the more popular American sports.
I hate Fox's coverage of the game. I thought it was terrible for soccer in the states when they outbid ESPN for the Champion's League rights a few years back and I think its equally bad for the game that they won the 2018 and 2022 World Cup rights.
ReplyDeleteI think its astonishing that FOX's production to be SO terrible for such a big company. Then again, they are known for shoddy production when it comes to the NFL, MLB and when they used to carry the NHL. So I guess it really shouldn't be that surprising.
I get why FOXSOCCER lacks quality in its production. They don't have the money to spend like ESPN does. I get it. But with the exception of the 2006 World Cup, ESPN has been offering tremendous, and credible coverage of soccer in the states. It's tough to see FOX, who presumably are watching what ESPN is putting out, do nothing to up their own game in the process. I blame FOX in general. Their football coverage is hokey, cheesy, sloppy and outdated. I guess its no real surprise that they are as completely lost airing soccer. Bad company, bad product.