Thursday, July 06, 2006

Soccer Execs Among Complainers About WORLD CUP On ESPN/ABC

(From Sports Business Daily)

U.S. soccer executives "have complained to ESPN about the overuse of graphics and cut-away shots, which have interrupted the flow of matches" during THE WORLD CUP, according to STEFAN FATSIS of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.

They also said that ESPN "doesn’t have enough staffers with soccer experience" directing the games.

The time buy agreement between SUM and ESPN/ABC for World Cup games has "created tension," as ESPN is getting free programming but retains "control over on-air talent and editorial content."

ESPN and SUM "agreed they wanted American voices leading coverage." But SUM execs believed that JP DELLACAMERA would be the lead play-by-play voice for the World Cup, and they "opposed the appointment" of DAVE O'BRIEN to that role.

Fatsis adds that in addition to U.S. soccer execs, ESPN and ABC "have been hit with complaints from soccer devotees that their telecasts are unsophisticated and mistake ridden."

The "most galling to aficionados has been extensive talk and visual interruptions during play, misuse of soccer terminology, and lack of insight."

ESPN "defends its approach," and sources said that the network has "instructed announcers to avoid complex analysis."

ESPN/ABC Sports Executive Producer for Remote Production
JED DRAKE said that the networks "are trying to expand soccer's audience beyond a 'small but maniacal' core."

Drake -- "There are a huge number of people watching the World Cup that don't watch soccer at any other time.
We've got to play to that audience."

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