Return of ESPN...

[KIR]

It seems like ESPN and affiliates are buying a lot of sports games on the telly...early playoff games, Senior Bowl and what the hell? I just turned on the Pro-Bowl and they are playing FLAG FOOTBALL??? I realize the Pro-Bowl was becoming farcial, but this has hit rock bottom.
The NFL truly stands for NO FUN LEAGUE! I might have to resort to finding some oldgames with Johnny Unitas, "Dutch" Van Brocklin, Otto Graham, Sammy Baugh...
...and that's just the QB's. How about Sam Huff and Willie Lanier? I could go on and on and on...but those days are long gone.

 

[contender]

I understand many people do enjoy sports programs.

But many of us do not.

I hate it when I turn to the main network channels,, when I see they are supposed to be broadcasting the news, (6:00 PM) and find some type of game that has preempted serious stuff. Gosh forbid they actually schedule a game & end on time to allow normal programing to be broadcast.

I thought a place like ESPN was just for sports so people like me didn't have to watch it if we didn't want to.

 

[hittman]

ESPN is part of Disney and ABC so you’re liable to see their programming on more than 1 channel at a time.

 

[375hh1973]

Would much rather watch a game than "serious stuff"

 

[375supermag]

Would much rather watch a game than "serious stuff"

I deal with the "serious" stuff (inflation, politics, life and death, etc) every day.
I find the escape of watching a sporting contest refreshing and relaxing.

 

[contender]

I'm NOT bashing those who enjoy watching sports.

I just wish they would use the sports channels, or at least plan the games to be over in time for the news & weather. The programing shows the game as being over,, yet it NEVER is.
And many of us have to plan our schedule around weather reports, and local weather is important. And local news is also important. Especially when there is major construction causing shut downs of certain roads etc.

 

[Fox Mike]

Follow the $$. BIG money televising sporting events. All the major channels as well as the 'sports' dedicated. I would rather watch a good lacrosse game then golf or basketball but it just isn't profitable for TV.

 

[welldoya]

Pro sports lost me when they started the walkouts, the kneeling, etc, etc.
I can’t remember the last time I watched a pro sports game.
I watch some college football games, particularly FSU.
I don’t even have ESPN. I figure if it’s a big game, it will be on network TV.

 

[contender]

As I mentioned,, I don't have a problem with people enjoying watching games on TV. My issue is with the timing & programing overrun. Or they have a dedicated sports network, (ESPN) and still have to air games on other channels.

And yes,, I know it's about the money. Money is THE main reason this happens.

But local news is important as well.
Example;
In the last few days, there have been local stories involving firearms & explosives.
(1) A man laying in bed, shot a few times, by someone OUTSIDE his house, and not even very close to his house. Kinda like a random, drive by shooting from what we've been able to learn.
(2) A single round, fired from gosh knows where, hits a home. Penetrates the wall, and ends up in a childs bedroom. Nobody home. Even the mother said on TV; "I shoot, we all enjoy shooting & I feel this was an accident where the shooter had no idea what has happened. I just want people to be more careful."
(3) Property being cleaned up. Old barn. VERY old dynamite (nitro based) found in an old metal ammo can. Bomb squad called in to properly detonate it. Nobody hurt.
(4) Local indoor gun range. A couple rented a pair of handguns. Used fake ID. After shooting some, they were in the gun shop, then ran out the door with the (2) handguns.

This is local news & reflects upon stuff the ATF or local LEO's have to deal with. And I prefer to know what kind of reporting & news stuff that may relate to firearms & such. I like to also follow up with comments to the local news stations when they get stuff wrong about firearms & such.

So yes, I prefer that the sports stuff either be on a dedicated sports channel or that they would at least schedule the games to end in time for the local news. Often, on weekends,, we do not even get ANY local 6 pm news due to sports broadcasts. All (4) stations have some type of game that preempts the news completely.
And this includes national news.
Just this past weekend, that Chinese balloon was over this country, including here in NC.
Or how about the train derailing in Ohio? I have family in Ohio.
But hey,, sports broadcasts are more important.

 

[hittman]

IF I remember this story correctly ….. the first “sports vs. regular programming” story / controversy.

Many years ago there was an NFL playoff game on TV. And it was a good one. Tie score and either right at the end of the game or going into overtime they dropped the game for the “regularly scheduled” Wonderful World of Disney. It seems there were literally only seconds left in the game.

This was way before ( at least to me ) sports and programming and networks embraced politics And woke meant getting out of bed in the morning.

 

[JiminMaine]

If I want to take a nap I watch a baseball game, tennis or golf.

 

[375hh1973]

IF I remember this story correctly ….. the first “sports vs. regular programming” story / controversy.

Many years ago there was an NFL playoff game on TV. And it was a good one. Tie score and either right at the end of the game or going into overtime they dropped the game for the “regularly scheduled” Wonderful World of Disney. It seems there were literally only seconds left in the game.

This was way before ( at least to me ) sports and programming and networks embraced politics And woke meant getting out of bed in the morning.

The famous "Heidi Game"