Broadcasters may use virtual reality to place realistic-looking fans in empty stadium

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https://nypost.com/2020/05/13/espn-f...ts-broadcasts/

"The idea is in its infancy and there is a mixture of opinions toward it, but it is something the networks are playing with as fan-less games appear to be the immediate reality," Andrew Marchand says of the virtual fan idea that ESPN, Fox, NBC, CBS and Turner Sports are contemplating. "It is all part of the reimagining of how to broadcast potential games during the COVID-19 health crisis. Games likely will start without fans in attendance, as the overriding goal is to provide a safe environment for everyone working within the sporting events."

Fox Sports' Joe Buck clarifies that everything is up in the air when it comes to NFL broadcasts in empty stadiums

In a series of tweets this morning, Buck said his comments that Fox Sports will use fake crowd noise were taken out of context. "I’ve been saying for over a month, including on HBO in April, that some ambient crowd noise under a broadcast is a simple, necessary tool to normalize the viewing experience at home," he tweeted, adding: "There is no 'traditional' take on this topic. It’s new territory. Hoping stadiums are full and all is normal. If not, then it’s a blank canvas. All networks will try to make it look and sound as normal as possible. It could lead to unprecedented, thrilling access. Who knows? But Crowd reactions are an enormous piece of the TV puzzle. All reactions by a crowd are valuable and to be used – as far as I know. I use it as much as I can and still keep my job. Big moments like the Minn. Miracle are MADE on tv because of the crowd noise. It doesn’t have to be over the top. But something has to be there...Some ideas will work and some won’t. That’s the nature of WORKING on something. It’s uncharted water. It could be a very exciting time in network TV coverage. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Praying for a SAFE return to a stadium near you for all involved." ALSO: Buck pointed out a report that NBC is considering using an app that allows fans to virtually cheer and boo for their teams.

Sports broadcasters would be making a mistake with virtual fans and fake noise

"I'm all for sports coming back under safe conditions and reimagining the way they are broadcast without fans makes total sense," says Brian Giuffra. "Things have drastically changed in the last few months and the way we consume live sports will have to as well. However, providing a false backdrop and spurious sound isn't the way to go." He adds: "There are a lot of other things broadcasters and leagues can do to limit the amount of time people focus on the empty, noiseless stands -- like playing in smaller venues, not showing as many wide-angle shots, going to the broadcast booth or studio more, or using full-screen graphics to provide deeper context. Putting digital fans in the stands and fake noise, however, will achieve the opposite of that. The Twitter world will explode with jokes and viewers will be distracted. If you need an example, remember the fans on the TV behind Roger Goodell (and the jokes that followed) when he announced picks during the NFL Draft. But at least that felt authentic. Fake fans wouldn't have." ALSO: Coronavirus may bring the return of the remote broadcast booth.