FOX Sports play-by-play man Joe Buck made headlines on Wednesday when he told Andy Cohen that “it’s pretty much a done deal” that there would be piped-in crowd noise during games that are held later this year. He added that there’s a possibility “virtual fans” would be packed into stadium stands that would, in reality, be empty.
But on Thursday, Buck took to Twitter to clarify his comments, saying that FOX was specifically “working” on the idea of adding virtual fans (that’s different than the crowd noise that may be used) but that it wasn’t a completely done deal. Here’s what Buck had to say:
Amazing the headline doesn’t match what I said. Didn’t think that happened at places like SI. 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…. https://t.co/6JY11ZcGZU
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
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?
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
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.
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
It doesn’t have to be over the top. But something has to be there. Contrary to the misleading headline at SI and other places – I said FOX is WORKING on virtual fans. They are working everyday on ANYTHING to make our shows the best on TV. That’s exciting to me, and I am thankful
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
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.
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
This ran in the LA Times last week. It’s ALL a work in progress. pic.twitter.com/ugv437cSkf
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
More from LAST WEEK in the LA Times from the great @LATimesfarmer pic.twitter.com/QAq8NXtJxC
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
This snippet proving its other networks as well. https://t.co/O7PiVe6NYA
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
See the last tweet. And I don’t eat trash. Anymore https://t.co/j6Yv6OEhdi
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
Last one. Cause I want you to understand. The crowd NOISE is different from the VISUAL of virtual fans. It’s two different things. The headline said FOX would add both. The second is being worked on. Hope u have a good day! But I’m glad you get what “they’ll” means. https://t.co/vX5Vep2BVn
— Joe Buck (@Buck) May 14, 2020
I think the biggest takeaway here is this: we’re in completely uncharted territory here. It might be really weird for us to see virtual fans when the seats are empty if that’s the direction FOX or other broadcasters go in. It could be weirdly comforting. The crowd noise could help Buck and others call games with the level of excitement they deserve. At this point, it seems like all ideas are on the table, and I’m with Buck on one thing: maybe some innovations will stick.
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