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Philly06Cup · 03-12-2016, 03:23 AM

Rant: I want more programming that promotes appreciation for athletes and the sports they play.

The bulk of sports programming are the following:
-Highlights.
-Reporting on sports news stories, with brief analysis.
-Compilations of old highlights. Bloopers, plays of the month, top 10 lists.
-Talking heads yelling their unfounded opinions. Tim & Sid; PTI; Off the Record. You can get the same thing from browsing CP.

I would love more produced original content. I'm a big fan of the 30 for 30 series and The Road to the Winter Classic. I know they aren't for everyone, but its nice to have variety on the sports networks. There are so many channels and so much airtime -- there is room to add unique programming. These shows display more player personalities, and let people get to know their sports heroes. Viewers are given insight into what it is to be a professional athlete and the unique experiences they have and obstacles they face. In this way, we are allowed to appreciate athletes are human beings with amazing stories.

The other thing that is seriously lacking on television: Real insightful analysis. I want to learn more about what makes great players great and what makes great teams great. I would love to watch a half hour devoted to a superstar and what they do that others cannot. How does Ovechkin have 40 goals when most others can barely muster 30? Don't just show me his goals. Show me how he makes smart reads to find soft openings, or uses his strength to create separation. Show me the little things that makes him special. Show me what makes an elite powerplay and an elite penalty kill, and contrast it with what teams at the bottom are doing wrong. Show me the things I can't read off a scoresheet, like why Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith are two of the top shutdown defensemen. This kind of show would not appeal to everyone, but new viewers would learn a lot and better appreciate the skills NHL superstars possess.

Sports TV often defaults to the lowest common denominator of highlight shows and loud talking heads. There can be so much more.

03-12-2016, 03:23 AM	#214
Philly06Cup Closet Jedi Join Date: Aug 2005 Exp:	Rant: I want more programming that promotes appreciation for athletes and the sports they play. The bulk of sports programming are the following: -Highlights. -Reporting on sports news stories, with brief analysis. -Compilations of old highlights. Bloopers, plays of the month, top 10 lists. -Talking heads yelling their unfounded opinions. Tim & Sid; PTI; Off the Record. You can get the same thing from browsing CP. I would love more produced original content. I'm a big fan of the 30 for 30 series and The Road to the Winter Classic. I know they aren't for everyone, but its nice to have variety on the sports networks. There are so many channels and so much airtime -- there is room to add unique programming. These shows display more player personalities, and let people get to know their sports heroes. Viewers are given insight into what it is to be a professional athlete and the unique experiences they have and obstacles they face. In this way, we are allowed to appreciate athletes are human beings with amazing stories. The other thing that is seriously lacking on television: Real insightful analysis. I want to learn more about what makes great players great and what makes great teams great. I would love to watch a half hour devoted to a superstar and what they do that others cannot. How does Ovechkin have 40 goals when most others can barely muster 30? Don't just show me his goals. Show me how he makes smart reads to find soft openings, or uses his strength to create separation. Show me the little things that makes him special. Show me what makes an elite powerplay and an elite penalty kill, and contrast it with what teams at the bottom are doing wrong. Show me the things I can't read off a scoresheet, like why Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith are two of the top shutdown defensemen. This kind of show would not appeal to everyone, but new viewers would learn a lot and better appreciate the skills NHL superstars possess. Sports TV often defaults to the lowest common denominator of highlight shows and loud talking heads. There can be so much more. __________________ Gaudreau > Huberdeau AINEC