The NFL Is Looking Into Changing Their Broadcast Rules So They Don't Cut Away From Games For No Reason
SI - One of these days, James Brown’s voice, or someone’s send-up of it, is going to show up on Saturday Night Live. “Again, due to NFL rules and regulations, we are not able to keep you there live, but we will keep you updated…” Those were the now nearly farcical words that greeted fans as CBS left Cleveland after the Browns failed to convert on fourth-down in overtime against the Ravens Sunday.
Following a commercial break, the network’s post-game analysts then provided play-by-play from the studio, taking turns speaking while the other four stared at a screen that viewers weren’t allowed to see. Eventually Greg Joseph made a game-winning field goal for Cleveland. “And… he… knocks it in” was the call from Bill Cowher and company after a period of silence.
Meanwhile, viewers in Philadelphia watching the Panthers and Giants on FOX were treated to a commercial break instead of seeing Graham Gano tie the record for longest game-winning field goal by knocking through a 63-yarder as time expired. Last week, it was NFL Redzone host Scott Hanson who had to explain to viewers why the channel that shows every touchdown wouldn’t be able to show the final score in Oakland as the Raiders outlasted the Browns. The league-owned network couldn’t directly compete with the game’s broadcaster. And NBC wanted you to watch its pregame show instead.
An NFL spokesman said these issues are discussed on a weekly basis by the league and networks. While certain changes like won’t come until new rights deals are signed, they said, some tweaks could be made during this season. “We’re constantly reevaluating, and we’re sensitive to the fact that fan viewing habits are changing,” the spokesman said.
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Such blue balls all over the map yesterday. The NFL has to abide by these outdated network rules and regulations, and at the same time they squeeze so many commercials into every game that if it runs over, you aren’t going to see the end of it. Even RedZone, which is literally on the NFL Network, which could not be more NFL if it tried, can’t show the end of games
Now, the cut away only happens when you get bonus coverage out of market. So it’s kinda like getting free dessert at a restaurant and then being upset that you don’t like the way it tastes. But the overriding issue is it’s the biggest cocktease ever and so infuriating for outdated reasons. Some people yesterday had to watch a commercial and didn’t see Gano’s 63 yarder, while others had to stare at Bill Cowher staring at a monitor instead of seeing how the Browns/Ravens OT played out. Less than ideal for the NFL, because what happens when they cut out of games early? Hello, r/streams! “Illegal” streams have never been more popular. They are usually a play or two behind, but they are in HD, free, and won’t cut away before the end of overtime. The worst thing that can happen to the NFL right now is lose people to internet streams.
So I think they’ll fix it. I mean when games start at 4:05 you legit never see the start of them because you’re still on the 1 o’clock games. The easy fix in my opinion would be stop shoving so many commercials down my throat, but that won’t happen. But for them to cutaway from games, when we then have to watch the studio guys do the awkward play by play, that would be a great change.