Fox Broadcast

[Tufkas]

I agree that he didn't do this, but this is true of virtually every broadcaster out there. IMO, Fanta is no worse but no better than others in this regard.

True, but not an excuse for incompetenece.

 

[MSGRET]

True, but not an excuse for incompetenece.

It's funny, people said the same thing about Allen when SNY took over from CPTV, that they didn't like Allen on his play by play. That he wasn't as good as Bob Picozzi and they will most likely say the same thing about every other play by play announcer next year. What you like in an announcer might be something that others don't like. Please tell us why Fanta is incompetent, because he might not be the best announcer out there, but he's far from being the worst.

 

[OldSchooler]

If you listen to the Allen Bestwick podcast on this site you will realize the difference right away. The first thing Meg ever told Bestwick was that UCONN fans stay glued to the game whether we are up 2 or up 30 and you have to keep on calling the game. Fanta hasn't figured that out yet and he just mouths on when he thinks the game itself is not interesting to fans. Maybe that's true someplace else but not here. We will watch with 1 minute to go up 40 to see if Allie hits a 3 or Q plays good defense and we don't want to hear your prattle. Call the game, tell us who has what fouls, who just came in, etc. We are fans of our team and the women's game and as such, don't distract us, inform us.

Super half-hour valedictory interview of a highly professional broadcaster who will be sorely missed, as was his predecessor.

 

[Tufkas]

It's funny, people said the same thing about Allen when SNY took over from CPTV, that they didn't like Allen on his play by play. That he wasn't as good as Bob Picozzi and they will most likely say the same thing about every other play by play announcer next year. What you like in an announcer might be something that others don't like. Please tell us why Fanta is incompetent, because he might not be the best announcer out there, but he's far from being the worst.

Some background: I was obsessed with sports and sportscasting as a child. When I wasn't playing I was writing scripts in pencil in a notebook, then "broadcasting" them into a portable cassette recorder, idolizing Win Elliott to Marv Albert in hockey. Marty Glickman (also Giants) to Marv Albert in basketball. I did the PA for football (I played soccer) in high school, and was a sports director for our college's FM radio station, play-by-play on-air, with responsiblities for training incoming talent. I had job offers to broadcast professionally after college. So, granted, I might be just a wee bit more critical than most...

As it specifically relates to Fanta, to be real granual, since you asked, meaning exhibiting incompetent actions, not completely and totally incompetent. Frequently overlooked, seems obvious, but in practice is not, TV broadcasting must be significantly different - less - than radio. Avoid telling the audience things they're already seeing (Culmo), emphasize things they might not. Fouls timely - not just who, but how many (not just for those in foul trouble) for the individual and team. Substitutions as they occur, not just who, but why. Trends - not just after the fact ("That was a 19-2 run"), but before, e.g. noting an event as significant, perhaps starting a trend. We see this in the men's game where the announcer remarks, "Remember that basket and the score. It could be significant."

Each team usually has a spotter accompanying the statistician - perhaps there was an issue there. There's also voice quality, timbre and pronunciation. I'll leave it at that.

A derail perhaps, but for perspective, for me, some of the best play-by-play broadcasters are found in the English Premiere League. Arlo White (formerly of the EPL) could make the phone book exciting. Peter Drury is ballet with words and drama. NHL - Dan Kelly (R.I.P.). Pat Summerall and Ray Scott (Glickman) in the NFL. Mel Allen. For me, Joe Buck is about the best we have currently, but, not in that class.

 

[Bone Dog]

I like Meg, and Fanta is okay by me. There have been many games with infuriatingly bad duos calling them. Meg and John kept the focus mainly on the game and Meg is plenty knowledgeable about the sport and the players.

 

[BBallF]

Super half-hour valedictory interview of a highly professional broadcaster who will be sorely missed, as was his predecessor.

It was a great interview. No comparison with Fanta at all. Bestwick got the feel of the culture, history and team right away. He said it was the only place he had ever seen where you can win by 30 points and fans were angry. He must have read the Boneyard.

 

[Superhuskies]

PB and Nika,,.. post-senior day activities....

 

[Superhuskies]

The twins.....