Why Were CBS & NBC Better Than ABC w/ the NBA - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 05-25-2009, 02:59 PM

This is a spin-off of the topic that I started concerning which TV network did a better job at covering the NBA before ABC (and ESPN for that matter) came into the picture in the 2002-03. It's very apparent, that a majority of fans believe that not only did NBC do a much better job in broadcasting the NBA than ABC does today, but also CBS during their peak years (1983-1990). So this is for all intensive purposes, a rather simple question, in that what made NBC and CBS' NBA coverage far superior than the current NBA network TV coverage provided by ABC.

Big C · 05-25-2009, 04:00 PM

I have a few theories:

1. No games on Saturdays: NBC and CBS showed frequent games on those days

2. Few primetime playoff games. NBC was always willing to show many conference final games in primetime.

TVFactFan · 05-25-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC

This is a spin-off of the topic that I started concerning which TV network did a better job at covering the NBA before ABC (and ESPN for that matter) came into the picture in the 2002-03. It's very apparent, that a majority of fans believe that not only did NBC do a much better job in broadcasting the NBA than ABC does today, but also CBS during their peak years (1983-1990). So this is for all intensive purposes, a rather simple question, in that what made NBC and CBS' NBA coverage far superior than the current NBA network TV coverage provided by ABC.

CBS was better because of the Theme Song and the Announcers

NBC was better because of the announcers

TMC · 05-27-2009, 05:26 PM

In fairness (and I believe, this has already been pointed out), CBS' early coverage when compared to 1983-1990 was considerably underwhelming. In a lot of ways, they were quite similar to ABC's modern day NBA coverage (except CBS didn't have to deal with a predecessor that set the bar of excellence to such a high degree like with NBC's case). Like with ABC now, CBS' early NBA coverage suffered from a a lack of consistancy and direction.

Both, CBS and ABC fell into the trap of "stunt casting" for their announcers. They resorted to enlisting the aids of their then lead NFL play-by-play men (Pat Summerall during CBS' first year and Al Michaels following the Brad Nessler trail in the second season), who didn't have much of a history covering the NBA. Both networks also frequently changed their lead color commentators (CBS had to settle for a still active Rick Barry for quite a while).

Meanwhile, both networks were criticized for putting too much emphasis on "entertainment" ahead of basketball analysts. We all know about ABC having the Pussycat Dolls intro their coverage. But how about CBS having a game of "H-O-R-S-E" during the halftime proceedings?

Not only that, but both networks seemingly treated their NBA coverage as an "afterthought". For CBS (who of course, routinely aired even playoff/Finals games on tape delay and late at night), it was in large part because the NBA simply wasn't at the same sort of level as Major League Baseball or the NFL was at the time. For ABC, I suppose that it could be because with ESPN around, they don't have much of an incentive to try harder.

05-25-2009, 02:59 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 127,227	Why Were CBS & NBC Better Than ABC w/ the NBA This is a spin-off of the topic that I started concerning which TV network did a better job at covering the NBA before ABC (and ESPN for that matter) came into the picture in the 2002-03. It's very apparent, that a majority of fans believe that not only did NBC do a much better job in broadcasting the NBA than ABC does today, but also CBS during their peak years (1983-1990). So this is for all intensive purposes, a rather simple question, in that what made NBC and CBS' NBA coverage far superior than the current NBA network TV coverage provided by ABC.

05-25-2009, 04:00 PM	#2
Big C I Heart Angie Watson Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 21, 2006 Posts: 3,531	I have a few theories: 1. No games on Saturdays: NBC and CBS showed frequent games on those days 2. Few primetime playoff games. NBC was always willing to show many conference final games in primetime.

05-27-2009, 05:26 PM	#4
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 127,227	In fairness (and I believe, this has already been pointed out), CBS' early coverage when compared to 1983-1990 was considerably underwhelming. In a lot of ways, they were quite similar to ABC's modern day NBA coverage (except CBS didn't have to deal with a predecessor that set the bar of excellence to such a high degree like with NBC's case). Like with ABC now, CBS' early NBA coverage suffered from a a lack of consistancy and direction. Both, CBS and ABC fell into the trap of "stunt casting" for their announcers. They resorted to enlisting the aids of their then lead NFL play-by-play men (Pat Summerall during CBS' first year and Al Michaels following the Brad Nessler trail in the second season), who didn't have much of a history covering the NBA. Both networks also frequently changed their lead color commentators (CBS had to settle for a still active Rick Barry for quite a while). Meanwhile, both networks were criticized for putting too much emphasis on "entertainment" ahead of basketball analysts. We all know about ABC having the Pussycat Dolls intro their coverage. But how about CBS having a game of "H-O-R-S-E" during the halftime proceedings? Not only that, but both networks seemingly treated their NBA coverage as an "afterthought". For CBS (who of course, routinely aired even playoff/Finals games on tape delay and late at night), it was in large part because the NBA simply wasn't at the same sort of level as Major League Baseball or the NFL was at the time. For ABC, I suppose that it could be because with ESPN around, they don't have much of an incentive to try harder.