ESPN deserves some plaudits for quickly responding to fan complaints about their new “Monday Night Football” graphics and changing them.
During the first half of the Houston Texans-New Orleans Saints game, ESPN had a graphics package that featured the down-and-distance graphic highlighted in neon yellow/green. The result was fans were confused, constantly thinking there was a penalty flag on each play since TV graphics often show a yellow graphic to signify penalties on plays.
It didn’t take the network long to adjust. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said before the start of the second half that the network had changed the graphic after hearing the negative fan feedback.
Breaking: ESPN is switching away from the new Down-And-Distance graphic it debuted in the first half of Monday Night Football. ESPN heard the fans’ feedback and acted, quick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2019
Here was the statement from ESPN PR:
Our ESPN production team is aware of the feedback on the #MNF down and distance graphic. We have called an audible and adjusted for the 2nd half of #HOUvsNO and for the #DENvsOAK game to follow. New look pictured here. pic.twitter.com/SWLKKuW87w
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) September 10, 2019
Below is a comparison between the two:
A look at the before and after Monday Night Football down and distance graphic. ESPN heard viewer complaints and made a change pic.twitter.com/MM0g6GgllH
— Larry Brown Sports (@larrybrownsport) September 10, 2019
This is one of the nice things about social media — there is the instant ability to receive feedback and respond. ESPN should be commended for making such a quick change.
