The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
XFL broadcasts feature more audio
LOS ANGELES >> The XFL’s greatest contribution to football the first time around was the skycam. When the league returns Feb. 8, the focus will be on bringing fans further inside the game. ABC/ESPN and Fox will have access to the coachplayer communication systems and can go live with the audio at any time. They will also be able to go into the replay booth as plays are being reviewed.
“To hear a play call and the verbiage, is the biggest thing that people will be talking about,” Fox analyst Joel Klatt said. “How often can you see a coach call plays? When you are able to hear the play calls, you can see the philosophy of a team and coach.”
Bill Bonnell, who is ABC/ ESPN’s coordinating producer for XFL, oversaw production of the XFL for NBC in 2001. He said the biggest difference this time is the games will be presented as games, instead of feeling like a WWE show. The first XFL used mostly WWE announcers and cameramen.
There will not be a WWE slant this time. The main reason the league is on ABC/ ESPN and Fox is because of how they televise football.
“It’s not going to be anything like the first time around,” said Bonnell, who also produces ESPN’s broadcast of the College Football Playoff title game. “I think hardcore fans are going to enjoy watching football. The sound is going to be the innovative part. Bringing the access and the sound is how we are trying to bring out fans.
“This time it seems much more like a football league that we are covering. It is leaps and bounds ahead of the first XFL.”
The replay review process could be another thing fans discuss. The networks will be able to air conversations between the official on the field and the booth. They will also be able to discuss the review with an XFL supervising official following the review.
“In a traditional game we would have a rules expert. Now you are hearing the official making the call and discussing it,” Bonnell said.