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RandySF

(58,511 posts) Sat Jun 14, 2014, 02:44 PM Jun 2014

Watching World Cup coverage on ABC is a painful experience.

I've tried watching ABC's World Cup coverage between games and all I see are three lifeless corpses in suits trying to look like they're enjoying their time in sunny Brazil. And two of them were former soccer pros. I'm sticking with Univision.

3 replies

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Watching World Cup coverage on ABC is a painful experience. (Original Post) RandySF Jun 2014 OP

My sympathies. Byronic Jun 2014 #1

The announcers are all Brits though BainsBane Jun 2014 #2

I dunno.I think having the Brits gives ESPN's broadcast the appearance of having more credibility... The Road Runner Jun 2014 #3

Byronic

(504 posts)

1. My sympathies.

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Sat Jun 14, 2014, 04:53 PM

Jun 2014

We have a 50-50 chance of getting decent coverage in the UK. BBC is superb, with Thierry Henry, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer & Co, but then there is ITV. Oh boy, is there ever ITV

BainsBane

(53,016 posts)

2. The announcers are all Brits though

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Sat Jun 14, 2014, 05:12 PM

Jun 2014

(at for the games aired on ESPN). There probably aren't enough Americans who know the game well enough to do the call.

The Road Runner

(109 posts)

3. I dunno.I think having the Brits gives ESPN's broadcast the appearance of having more credibility...

Reply to BainsBane (Reply #2)

Sat Jun 14, 2014, 09:50 PM

Jun 2014

I am sure there must be capable American broadcasters that could cover the event. I just think people are used to hearing British voices covering the EPL and so...when it comes to "football" (aka soccer) people associate high quality soccer broadcasts with British accents.

IMHO...it's mostly about marketing, PR, and optics for the ESPN broadcasts.

My 2 cents.

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