Broadcast Review: Week 6
Tom Goodhines
Thursday May 25, 2000
Okay, okay – before I get all the, “What are you nuts?!” e-mails, let’s take a look at this week’s game broadcast. Let us leave the pre-game out of the equation – because there is no comparison between the two.
Fox put together its best production of the year – and earned the recognition with a total package.
Let’s start with the opening. If you haven’t seen the graphics for the opening of one of the Avenger games – you are missing a treat. Arena team helmets chase through the city of Los Angeles, like fighter-pilot jets, before they reach the Staples Arena. Then, reminiscent of the Monday Night Football introduction, the two meet at mid-field with a head-to-head collision and the Avenger helmet destroys the opponent. It is clever, creative, and top-notch quality.
The talented broadcast team of Bill Macdonald and David Norrie has jelled. Macdonald has improved on his comfort level with Arenaball. The veteran play-by-play commentator has 15 years with Fox Sports Net and is currently announcing UCLA football and men’s basketball for the network during the AFL’s off-season. No stranger to recognition, Macdonald won Los Angeles Sports Emmys as part of the LA Kings pre-game show in 1996 and was one of the sports anchors on Prime Sports West’s award-winning nightly sports news program. The network received recognition from the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association for having the “Best Television Anchor Team.”
Macdonald’s chemistry with Norrie has developed and is among the best broadcasting duos in league broadcasts.
Norrie is no stranger to the AFL, as he was the color commentator for the Anaheim Piranhas in 1996. The former UCLA quarterback has a great delivery and brings unique insight that puts him in rare company. His ability to dissect each play and explain it to the viewers puts him in the “Cunningham class.”
Replays were nicely timed. Player and coach comments were mixed in with the broadcast to add to the overall package and the addition of microphones in the huddle helped give the viewers a look into the strategies that they might not normally be able to get.
The only mark against this week’s broadcast was the absence of sideline reporter John Jackson. Although it might not be noticeable to every fan, the difference can be felt by comparing it to TNN’s use of Jill Arrington. Jackson should remain a part of the network’s regular coverage and doing so will put them just below TNN and equal to WB 61, Phoenix, as one of the league’s elite broadcast networks.
Top play-by-play: 1. Bill Macdonald, Fox Sports West 2. Macdonald has made one of the best improvements from the beginning of the season. He has been able to lead into his partner’s quality observations effortlessly and is able to make the flow of the game seem smooth. He makes viewing the game enjoyable. 2. Eli Gold, TNN. 3. Jim Brinson, Empire Sports Network.
Top color commentary: 1. Ed Cunningham, TNN. Despite a strong showing by Norrie, Cunningham holds on to the top spot. He continues his outstanding observations while adapting to the new addition of Sam Wyche. It is important to have a solid play-by-play commentator in the three-man booth, but it is also important to have the color commentators coexist in the booth. Cunningham showed many examples of including and leading Wyche into some observations and – the most important part – he doesn’t allow his ego to get in the way of a great broadcast. 2. David Norrie, Fox Sports West 2. 3. Sam Wyche, TNN. 4. Steve Tasker, Empire Sports Network.
 Jill Arrington interviewed Tampa Bay Ironman Lawrence Samuels after the game. Image courtesy of Drew Kennedy |
Top newcomer: Steve Tasker, Empire Sports Network. The former All-Pro and Buffalo legend jumped into the Destroyers’ broadcast booth with no previous experience in covering the AFL. His knowledge of the team and his insight into the game was apparent. It is obvious that Tasker is a quick learner and will only improve with each game.
Top shot: 1. TNN, showing the replay of New Jersey’s Kevin Gaines grabbing one of the officials. 2. TNN, Arrington on an ATV with Tampa Bay mascot, Storm Man. 3. TNN, Shot of Arrington kissing the infamous “Ike” of the New Jersey Red Dogs’ Kennel Club.
Top comments: 1. Cunningham, TNN – “Hey guys – it’s still just football. Start blocking guys up!” after showing that the Storm has allowed 15 sacks and having a new quarterback and veteran linemen Willie Wyatt and Sylvester Bembery no longer with the team. 2. Gold, TNN – “That was the 10th play in this dysfunctional drive.” During a third quarter penalty-laden Tampa Bay drive. 3. Trimble, Empire Sports Network – “I don’t understand what Browning’s [Nagle] problem has been but [San Jose’s] Mark Grieb has been having no problem holding on to the football.” After a couple of fumbles by the Buffalo quarterback.
Top interview: 1. Wyche, TNN with New Jersey’s George LaFrance. 2. Arrington, TNN with Tampa Bay’s John Kaleo. 3. Trimble, Empire Sports Network with Buffalo head coach Ray Bentley.
Top feature: 1. Macdonald, Fox Sports West 2 on Los Angeles’ Victor Hall. 2. Arrington, TNN on New Jersey’s George LaFrance. 3. Gold, TNN on the Inside the AFL segment, recapping last week’s games.
Oops Award: 1. Fox Sports West 2. Audio problems in the beginning of the fourth quarter made the announcers sound like they were in an echo chamber. 2. TNN. Catching Tampa Bay head coach, cursing on live television. 3. Empire Sports Network, broadcast team pronouncing San Jose star wide receiver Shalon Baker as SHAY-lon.
Tom Goodhines was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2000 season.
