NBC Does it Right -- Almost
Dave Harwood
Tuesday March 11, 2003
The introduction period is over now, and it is time for the critics to stop being so nice and point out where NBC needs some tutoring.
The `AFL on NBC` has begun a month-long tweak of their coverage. This past weekend, the west coast audience who tuned in at noon were greeted with ‘The Ford Championship` golf tournament. Since golf currently has better ratings than Arena Football, the AFL was moved to 3:00 p.m.
Unfortunately for those only hoping to watch Arena Football, this particular golf tournament went to sudden death. Fifteen minutes later, still no winner.
Maybe just see who can hit it closest to the pin?
Thankfully Mother Nature interfered and suspended play due to darkness. On to Chicago for live coverage.
Already missing the entire first quarter, San Jose had built a 22-6 lead. Fifteen minutes later, the teams both exchanged a couple of touchdowns and the score showed San Jose 36 - Chicago 20 at halftime.
For me personally, I had been busy the entire morning, and hadn`t connected to the Internet yet, so this was going to be a truly meaningful halftime update show for me.
There I was at halftime and the first topic of discussion was that David Boston signed with the San Diego Chargers. Oh, and where was Kordell Stewart going to go?
Hello? Did I miss something?
I had to blink my eyes a few times. Not because of Michael Irvin`s stop-sign bright suit, but because I didn`t know if I was watching the AFL halftime show or NFL Tonight on Sports Center.
After discussing that Boston is in a great situation now in San Diego, and that Stewart should probably sign with the Baltimore Ravens, we were rewarded with AFL highlights.
Los Angeles squeaking out a last-second victory, Georgia putting up a franchise best 70 points and Carolina losing, again.
Overall, NBC`s coverage has been excellent. Their coverage on and off the field has been professional and energetic. Many times when a game ends early, fans have been treated with bonus-coverage of other games. Having quick highlights flash across the screen is also a bonus. All of this demonstrates NBC’s belief that Arena Football is a major-league sport.
The big improvement they need to make is the halftime show. Here are a few suggestions:
1) Other game coverage:
Feature the highlights and scoring recaps -- don’t show it as an afterthought. You might be surprised that people are actually interested in the AFL. In addition, maybe show some more statistics beyond the quarterback numbers. NBC has access to all of these statistics. Maybe scrolling leaderboards?
2) Player profiles:
Even the XFL did an admirable job of introducing us to players of their league. So far, I have seen little time dedicated to this. One idea might be kicker Ian Howfield, a former NFL and AFL kicker who came out of retirement and has been doing wonders for the Tampa Bay Storm. Or maybe a feature story on WR/DB Barry Wagner, the `Michael Jordan` of the Arena Football League.
3) This is the AFL:
How about a feature called `This is the AFL`? Spend some time discussing the AFL`s past. Teach the fans about the game. To many, talking about current events in the National Football League during an Arena Football League halftime show is basically a slap in the face.
Overall, I give `The AFL on NBC` a B minus. Shake up the halftime show a little, and start advertising the Arena Football League for what it is. Yes they play with a football, but it is not the NFL. The AFL has a history, so talk it up. Build up the fan base and keep the current one in place.
All aspects of NBC’s coverage represents the AFL as a major league sport. Upgrade the halftime show, and NBC will have the complete package.
Dave Harwood was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2001 to 2003.
