Sports teams and leagues are trying to figure out how they can return to action under new guidelines for social distancing. Similarly, TV networks are looking to make adjustments so they can broadcast games in the new environment.
FOX’s Joe Buck has already talked about the possibility of using fake crowd noise and virtual fans to give viewers more of a usual feeling when watching sports without fans in attendance. There is some consideration given to having announcers work from remote locations. Al Michaels says that won’t work for him.
Michaels spoke with the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand for an article published on Tuesday. He said that even if fans are not allowed, he still would want to be in the stadium for any game he announces.
“I would hate to think we would not be able to be in the stadium and announce the games from some other location,” Michaels told Marchand. “That would not fly as far as I am concerned. You have to be able to feel it, even without fans.”
For a charity golf event over the weekend, the announcers were at a remote location, while host Mike Tirico was at his home office. That is an example of the kinds of adjustments that have been made.
We still have several months before the NFL season begins, so a lot can change between now and then. But NBC’s top NFL announcer has made his position clear on the matter. The fans will probably also demand a “Collinsworth Slide” for any of their games, too.
