Thoughts on Fox1 so far?

[Muskie]

I did not watch much this weekend as I don't care for Nascar or the UFC (not much anymore anyway). I watched the Fox Live show this morning. I'm not sure what I was watching exactly. Was it a highlight show (ala sportscenter) or was it a roundtable show (Best Damn Sports Show)? At one point they had Mike Tyson on and interviewed him (apparently for some sort of show he has on the network). I wanted to see scores from baseball and football which i did get eventually. But overall I didn't walkaway saying I need to turn it on tomorrow. I'm not quite sure what I saw.

[Titanxman04]

It's a new network still trying to work out their kinks and on air personalities. It's not the best network yet, but hopefully by basketball season, they'll have things worked out.

I think there's a lot of potential, but with ESPN's stranglehold over the other sports networks, I'm sure they are trying to stand out in their own way, while still trying to do what ESPN does. Their Fox Sports Live seemed shaky at best, but once again, if you do exactly what Sports Center does, then what's the draw? All the while, they want to promote all their programs. It's interesting, but it hasn't pulled me in completely.

[PMI]

Donovan McNabb and Andy Roddick do not make for the best start. Charissa Thompson on the other hand...

[Muskie]

It's a new network still trying to work out their kinks and on air personalities. It's not the best network yet, but hopefully by basketball season, they'll have things worked out.

I think there's a lot of potential, but with ESPN's stranglehold over the other sports networks, I'm sure they are trying to stand out in their own way, while still trying to do what ESPN does. Their Fox Sports Live seemed shaky at best, but once again, if you do exactly what Sports Center does, then what's the draw? All the while, they want to promote all their programs. It's interesting, but it hasn't pulled me in completely.

I get it. But I still think the channel needs some sort of dedicated highlights show. This felt more like morning tv like Good Morning America.

[Backyard Champ]

Honestly they should bring back the Fox "sportscenter" show that they used to have on the fox sports channels. It was a half hour show that is exactly like sportscenter, but they didn't have all the "reactions" and what not that sportscenter does now. Just straight half hour of highlights.

[X-band '01]

Fox Sports Report?

It hasn't been on for quite a while, but at least it was straight-up highlights.

[Titanxman04]

Straight highlights and the "My Wish" series transferring over to Fox. That bit is about the only thing I never miss on Sportscenter.

[RoseyMuskie]

I'm a fan. Watched the first fifteen minutes tonight...10 minutes of baseball hi lights to start the show...if someone can name the last time that occurred on Sportscenter, I'll buy you a beer.

The panel concept isn't my favorite, as Andy Roddick's opinion on baseball, or football is no better than ours. But Charissa helps offset that.

Personally, by 11 at night I'm exhausted, but Jay and Dan's humor keeps me awake for awhile longer.

[Muskie]

Watching Fox Sports Live this morning has been much better. More highlights and a much better flow when they do go to the round table.

[Titanxman04]

Its certainlly coming together real well.

[waggy]

Recap of Week 1:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbQ0eqX79W8

[casualfan]

John Ourand ‏@Ourand_SBJ 6m
Overnights (rounded to single digit) from 11pm-midnight last night: SportsCenter (0.6), Olbermann (0.4) Fox Sports Live (0.0).

[XUFan09]

John Ourand ‏@Ourand_SBJ 6m
Overnights (rounded to single digit) from 11pm-midnight last night: SportsCenter (0.6), Olbermann (0.4) Fox Sports Live (0.0).

Can you translate this? Is that some form of rating or what?

[XUFan09]

I watched Fox Sports Live and thought it was pretty good. The lead guys don't take themselves seriously and at times are laugh-out-loud funny, which is a nice change of pace from the more sterile Sportscenter with old-man jokes that fall flat. There were plenty of baseball highlights, which was awesome, and they did a good job overall of covering baseball.

It was a little shaky at times, with some transitions that didn't flow smoothly and people sometimes stumbling over their words, but I imagnie this will be rectified in part, if not completely, as the show matures.

[casualfan]

Can you translate this? Is that some form of rating or what?

Yes it's the standard Nielson rating which estimates the percentage of the population that watched. It says it was rounded (obviously some people watched) to the nearest single digit, but that's a bad number no matter how you slice it.

To put that number in perspective a LLWS game drew a 2.3 rating.

An MLS game recently drew a 0.3 overnight rating.

[GoMuskies]

I don't think you can really judge FS1 until after football season starts. That's the first time they'll have any programming people will actually seek out.

[casualfan]

I don't think you can really judge FS1 until after football season starts. That's the first time they'll have any programming people will actually seek out.

I agree and I certainly didn't expect their numbers to be very good to this point, but I expected them to be better than what they have been.

I definitely didn't think the show they are running out there to challenge sportscenter would get less viewers than Olberman on ESPN2.

[GoMuskies]

I just don't think most people know that the channel even exists yet. On Saturday, the state of WV will go looking for the Mountaineers game at noon and discover FS1. The state of Oregon will do the same thing at 4:00 looking for the Ducks. Tons of people around the country will be looking for that Boise State/Washington game at 10:00 and will for the first time learn about FS1. My guess is they'll be pimping the hell out of Fox Sports Live and their other programming all day on Saturday.

If Fox Sports Live is getting 0.0s Saturday, Sunday and into Monday, then they've got a problem. For now, I'm just assuming the main issue is lack of viewer awareness.

[hoyahooligan]

Most relevant place to put this bit of news:
"The Big East Tip-Off Party broadcast is set for 9-11 p.m. EST on Oct. 25 on the home of the Big East Conference, Fox Sports 1. All 10 teams will be featured with live coverage."

[XUFan09]

Yes it's the standard Nielson rating which estimates the percentage of the population that watched. It says it was rounded (obviously some people watched) to the nearest single digit, but that's a bad number no matter how you slice it.

To put that number in perspective a LLWS game drew a 2.3 rating.

An MLS game recently drew a 0.3 overnight rating.

Thanks. I haven't looked at Nielson ratings in so long that I didn't recognize the numbers.

[paulxu]

Maybe Fox should have hired Olbermann.

[muskienick]

Perhaps we might want to wait until the Fox Sports 1 channel has showcased Big East basketball for a season or two before we judge it. If the League becomes as competitive as we all hope it will, there is no reason to think that it won't turn out to be as successful as its other two main incursions into mainstream cable: the FOX network that brought us "Married With Children," "The Simpsons," and a slew of other hits; and FOX News that I abhor but that has reached the top of the Cable ratings for networks of its sort.

[Muskie]

I think the perception was that people would flock to get away from the evil that is ESPN. I think the station has a bright future, but it has taken NBCSports (f/k/a Versus) to get consistent viewership. Many people didn't even know what channel to look for as evidenced by the threads on here, holylandofhoops (http://holylandofhoops.com), and other sites. I agree with Muskienick, when Big East Basketball starts, we should see an influx of viewers.

[PMI]

We need to give it time before judging it based on the ratings I think. Let football season start and see if they come up with the kind of programming that will draw viewers over from ESPN. I'm not crazy about the start though. Charissa Thompson is super hot, I think we can all agree on that. But Andy Roddick sitting next to Donvan McNabb is way too much douche-baggery on one set at the same time. That's an awfully tight line to walk, as people like myself stopped watching ESPN long ago because of all of the former athlete douche-baggery they shove down your throat. I've often wondered this. Why do we need every recent former athlete in pro sports on TV or radio "telling it like it is" for us? What happened to letting the people who actually go to school for broadcasting, journalism, etc. to do their jobs and run the show? It's OK to have a former athlete here and there to give us that perspective (even though most of them are full of shit anyway) but ESPN has made it beyond smothering, and it seems Fox Sports One thinks it has to be the same way to compete. I say, forget the washed up sports stars and wannabe SNL-cast sports anchors (seriously ESPN, your anchors are tools) and just go with good, straight-forward journalists and sources. I don't tune into sports highlights shows to watch TMZ for celebrity athletes. I want highlights, real news, and analysis with some actual substance. ESPN has not only failed in that regard, it's turned its nose up at it. I was hoping Fox would be the counter to them, but they seem to just be trying to play against them at their game, and I don't know if that's the best strategy.

[SM#24]

"Why do we need every recent former athlete in pro sports on TV or radio "telling it like it is" for us? What happened to letting the people who actually go to school for broadcasting, journalism, etc. to do their jobs and run the show?"

You mean the "jockoracy" of sports journalism that Howard Cosell was railing about 40 years ago ?

FS1 has Utah v Utah St on Thurs. night, so there's one state that will have discovered it by then (49 to go).
Games Sat. featuring WestVa, Oregon and Washington v Boise St. knocks off another 4 states.

[GoMuskies]

Wash/Boise will knock out all 50 states. That's the only decent late game.

[Olsingledigit]

Perhaps we might want to wait until the Fox Sports 1 channel has showcased Big East basketball for a season or two before we judge it. If the League becomes as competitive as we all hope it will, there is no reason to think that it won't turn out to be as successful as its other two main incursions into mainstream cable: the FOX network that brought us "Married With Children," "The Simpsons," and a slew of other hits; and FOX News that I abhor but that has reached the top of the Cable ratings for networks of its sort.

Just to be fair and balanced (are you wincing Muskienick?) I love Fox News. Nielsen just reported that MESS-NBC lost half of its audience in the past year and is down to about 575,000 TOTAL viewers in prime time. Oh MY!

[XUFan09]

Just to be fair and balanced (are you wincing Muskienick?) I love Fox News. Nielsen just reported that MESS-NBC lost half of its audience in the past year and is down to about 575,000 TOTAL viewers in prime time. Oh MY!

Probably because MSNBC is in that awkward middle between being a critical liberal voice and pandering to liberals' confirmation biases and thus fails at both. Fox News, on the other hand, knows exactly what it is and runs a successful business model by making people feel good about what they already believe.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[American X]

Fox College Football Saturday will air every Saturday from 10-12 ET. Tuning in.

[NY44]

I haven't watched ESPN for anything except live games and PTI since FS1 aired, which was my ultimate hope. However, it's still an immense disappointment. Crowd Goes Wild is actually painful to watch. FS Live is good, but they're following the SportsCenter format more than I had hoped, too many opinions and "analysts", not enough highlights.

[Muskie]

I haven't watched ESPN for anything except live games and PTI since FS1 aired, which was my ultimate hope. However, it's still an immense disappointment. Crowd Goes Wild is actually painful to watch. FS Live is good, but they're following the SportsCenter format more than I had hoped, too many opinions and "analysts", not enough highlights.

I never expected Crowd Goes Wild to be good.

[bobbiemcgee]

Probably because MSNBC is in that awkward middle between being a critical liberal voice and pandering to liberals' confirmation biases and thus fails at both. Fox News, on the other hand, knows exactly what it is and runs a successful business model by making people feel good about what they already believe.


I don't know how anybody watches any of that garbage on any "news" station. I don't even watch the local news. As far as ESPN/FOX, just gimme the frickin' scores and highlights, I don't give a shit what Johnny Asshole or Ray Lewis did today. I do love the History channel (not the ad nauseam reruns). Wow, sometimes you can actually learn something watching the tube.

[Fireball]

I like what little I've seen so far, but to be perfectly honest, no sports channel is going to get me off of MLB Network until October or November.

We'll see how I feel about it then.

[GoMuskies]

I think they've got a nice lineup of live events, but everything else on their channel sucks. So it's pretty much exactly like ESPN but a step above NBC Sports Network and CBS College Sports (their live programming almost all blows).

[ChicagoX]

Does anyone know if FOX Sports 1 will have a smartphone app like ESPN and NBC Sports where you can watch games live on your phone?

[drudy23]

ESPN is like Coke and Nike. Every now and then a competitor makes some noise, but at the end of the day, people will always be most loyal to the Coke and Nike brand...just like they know ESPN will always be where they go for sports.

I could really care less if they overtake ESPN...all I care about are all of the games being on TV.

[ChicagoX]

It appears that FOX Sports 1 will be creating a smartphone app called FOX Sports Go that is like the Watch ESPN and NBC Sports apps that allows people to stream live games. Hopefully it will be ready by November.

App for new Fox Sports 1 network coming soon with live streaming video, scores and more (http://www.phonearena.com/news/App-for-new-Fox-Sports-1-network-coming-soon-with-live-streaming-video-scores-and-more_id46472)

[muskiefan82]

What they need is to allow viewers to subscribe online for viewing without going through a cable or satellite provider. THAT would be great.

[XUFan09]

What they need is to allow viewers to subscribe online for viewing without going through a cable or satellite provider. THAT would be great.

Some day...Live sports are actually probably one of the main things keeping that from happening, so as big sports fans, we are partially at fault for preventing the pay-per-channel system from happening.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[BlueGuy]

What they need is to allow viewers to subscribe online for viewing without going through a cable or satellite provider. THAT would be great.

As a DTV subscriber, I've never been able to access the Watch ESPN app. I hope I'm able to see this FS1 version.

[waggy]

Keith Olbermann just caused me to turn to FS1. Thank you FS1 for providing me an alternative.

[GoMuskies]

HUGE night for FS1: Oklahoma @ Baylor

If they can't get an audience for this, they're going to struggle to get an audience period. Hopefully there will be a big audience and lots of Big East basketball promos.

[kyxu]

HUGE night for FS1: Oklahoma @ Baylor

If they can't get an audience for this, they're going to struggle to get an audience period. Hopefully there will be a big audience and lots of Big East basketball promos.

It's unfortunate for FS1 that the night of its biggest football broadcast is also the night of one of the biggest college football match-ups of the regular season (Oregon at Stanford), broadcast on ESPN.

[XUOHTX]

Am I the only one that hates that light blue bottom line scroll? It is so distracting.

[GoMuskies]

Baylor/OU get a 90 minute headstart. So they should at least do well for a half. Baylor may very well lead 38-3 at the half causing 99% of the audience to turn to Sanford/Oregon and not turn back.

At least Redskins/Vikings is a stinker of an NFL game to be up against.

[Titanxman04]

Baylor/OU get a 90 minute headstart. So they should at least do well for a half. Baylor may very well lead 38-3 at the half causing 99% of the audience to turn to Sanford/Oregon and not turn back.

At least Redskins/Vikings is a stinker of an NFL game to be up against.

HTTR!!!

Yea, good football on tonight hopefully. Looking forward to sitting in front of the TV and watching it all. I do not expect to be awake and productive tomorrow. Haha.

[NY44]

@Deadspin: Fox Sports 1's low ratings forced Fox to give advertisers free ads during the World Series http://deadspin.com/fs1s-low-ratings-forced-fox-to-give-away-free-world-se-1460357518?rev=1383855989&utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

[casualfan]

It's unfortunate for FS1 that the night of its biggest football broadcast is also the night of one of the biggest college football match-ups of the regular season (Oregon at Stanford), broadcast on ESPN.

That's kind of how it works though. With the limited inventory FS1 has (compared to ESPN) and the expansive inventory ESPN has (compared to everyone else) there is rarely an instance where someone other than ESPN has a marquee game at a time when ESPN does not. Even in those rare cases it is typically someone who has a relationship with ESPN (i.e. NFL) or it's an event big enough to justify network TV (i.e. golf majors, super bowl)

If people are waiting for a time when FS1 has a marquee game when ESPN doesn't they're going to be waiting awhile.

[GoMuskies]

38-3, 24-5, whatever. My guess is that FS1 just lost most of its audience to Stanford/Oregon for the rest of the evening.

[STL_XUfan]

It is going to be a long uphill climb for fs1. I had to upgrade to the second highest satellite package on Dish to get FS1, while ESPN is basic cable for everyone. It just isn't realistic to compare fs1 and 2 to ESPN at this point. Hopefully in a few years fs1 will work its way into the basic cable range.

[xudash]

Anyone here taking the position that the Fox executives didn't understand something about what they were getting into with this?

Who wouldn't want a pleasant surprise, in terms of higher levels of acceptance out of the gate, but they understand this is a multi-year proposition. I seriously doubt anyone is freaking out at Fox Intergalactic Headquarters at this point.

[waggy]

I turn it on when I can. I'll turn it on more if they get better.

[CinciX12]

I'm really starting to like it. I'll take anything over ESPN at this point though.

[JTG]

It is going to be a long uphill climb for fs1. I had to upgrade to the second highest satellite package on Dish to get FS1, while ESPN is basic cable for everyone. It just isn't realistic to compare fs1 and 2 to ESPN at this point. Hopefully in a few years fs1 will work its way into the basic cable range.

You may want to dump Dish, as it is consistently rated "Worst tv system & worst customer service, year in and year out. FX1 & FX2 are standard on Uverse.

[JTG]

38-3, 24-5, whatever. My guess is that FS1 just lost most of its audience to Stanford/Oregon for the rest of the evening.

I thought Fox had the rights to PAC12 games, how did they miss Stanford Oregon ? I wouldn't watch Ok Baylor if it was played in my backyard, talk about "Who cares football" ?

[GoMuskies]

I thought Baylor/OK was pretty compelling. An undefeated Baylor who's been absolutely crushing people against a top 10 opponent. What's not to like?

Fox has a deal with the Pac-12, but it's not exclusive. The Pac-12 (obviously) has a deal with ESPN as well.

[casualfan]

Anyone here taking the position that the Fox executives didn't understand something about what they were getting into with this?
.

I don't know what specifically caused you to make this comment, but I doubt Fox executives planned on having to give away ad time during the world series or during super bowl pregame to account for the lack of viewers on FS1.

I'm sure the executives knew it would be a rocky road. I doubt they thought it'd start out this rocky.

[JTG]

I don't know what specifically caused you to make this comment, but I doubt Fox executives planned on having to give away ad time during the world series or during super bowl pregame to account for the lack of viewers on FS1.

I'm sure the executives knew it would be a rocky road. I doubt they thought it'd start out this rocky.

I can understand giving away ad time during the World Series, but they are not giving away Super Bowl ad time.

[LA Muskie]

I don't know what specifically caused you to make this comment, but I doubt Fox executives planned on having to give away ad time during the world series or during super bowl pregame to account for the lack of viewers on FS1.

I'm sure the executives knew it would be a rocky road. I doubt they thought it'd start out this rocky.
I think this is probably correct. It means that the viewership has underperformed against expectations. (Since the expectations would have been the benchmark for the ad buys). That said, make-goods are EXTREMELY common in the TV industry. Hell, I would guesstimate that 50% of NBC's Olympic broadcast ads and Sunday Night Football ads these last several years have been make-goods. (Not that anyone at Fox wants to be compared to NBC...)

[casualfan]

I can understand giving away ad time during the World Series, but they are not giving away Super Bowl ad time.

The article posted earlier in this thread specifically says they may have to give away slots during early pregame coverage if things don't improve.

They may not end up having to do that, but it's a real possibility.

[casualfan]

I think this is probably correct. It means that the viewership has underperformed against expectations. (Since the expectations would have been the benchmark for the ad buys). That said, make-goods are EXTREMELY common in the TV industry. Hell, I would guesstimate that 50% of NBC's Olympic broadcast ads and Sunday Night Football ads these last several years have been make-goods. (Not that anyone at Fox wants to be compared to NBC...)

Yep, you're exactly right.

I just thought it was interesting that they had to give them world series slots and may have to give them early pregame super bowl slots.

[Fireball]

Did they get rid of the original two anchors they had on Fox Sports Live? I've watched a few of times over the last few weeks, and it's a different anchor duo.

[Emp]

Gag me, Kevin O'Neil?!!!

He's the most cynical, obnoxious, unfunny jerk to ever tread a hardwood floor.

Please tell me he's not going To be the regular color guy.

[Masterofreality]

Agree with Emp on O'Neill. Horrible coach, horrible person, horrible commentator. XU wasn't a Fox Sports 1 game but a regional FSN game, but O'Neill will show up on occasion. He sucks worse than Steve Lappas. I guess this is O'Neill's last gasp to stay in the college game before he becomes one of those innocuous NBA assistants who only advance scout. (Of course, ou all know how I have always lived Kevin O'Nucklehead)

That being said. The difference between Gus Johnson/Bill Raftery on FS1 and Jay Bilasss/Dan Schulman and whoever the hell else they had on the GTown game was striking. Gus and Raft were excited, exciting to listen to and fun. Bilass and crew sounded like they were broadcasting a funeral.

Props to FS1 for the best College Basketball broadcasting team in the business.

[Xman95]

I think this is probably correct. It means that the viewership has underperformed against expectations. (Since the expectations would have been the benchmark for the ad buys). That said, make-goods are EXTREMELY common in the TV industry. Hell, I would guesstimate that 50% of NBC's Olympic broadcast ads and Sunday Night Football ads these last several years have been make-goods. (Not that anyone at Fox wants to be compared to NBC...)

Just seeing "makegoods" causes me to cringe. Having been in ad sales for TV and radio I know all too well about those little devils. Not only are they a result of underdelivering, they can be a pain in the ass to get into the system!

As for thoughts on F1 programming, I haven't seen much. Obviously live events are a completely different animal and those usually come down to whether you enjoy the broadcasters. The "highlight" show I saw the other day...AWFUL. It was absolutely painful to watch the two assclowns that were on there and even when they went to the highlight clips I had to listen to the morons. At this point I can't imagine watching F1 for anything other than live events (basically Xavier/Big East games).

[xudash]

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2013/november/college-hoops-on-fox-sports-1-is-a-solid-production.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[Titanxman04]

I was impressed with the broadcast last night of the Tenn. game. Thought they did an excellent job.

I'm also no longer watching Sportscenter. Fox Sprots 1 is my preferred news outlet these days.

[XUOHTX]

So far FS1 has misspelled Musketeers and two different talking heads have mispronounced Xavier. I'm not impressed.

[MD Muskie]

I was not impressed with the play-by-play guy last night from the game. I just got the feeling that he really didn't want to be there. At times I forgot he was doing the play-by-play.

[Masterofreality]

I tend to agree more with Beard than MD. The P by P guy was adequate, but no Gus. Raftery was fine as usual. Just the right amoun of criticism along with the spice.

Their production is well done, however. I look forward to Saturday when Marquette and Ohio State are on the main Fox network. That's what we want to see- the Big network stepping up. As the league proves itself, I think we will see more on main Fox.

I'm loving this partnership. Let's step up and win non-conference games against good opponents. (I'm looking at you St. Johns and Georgetown).

[sgarcia]

Lets all hope that Gary Payton is never ever allowed to open his mouth on TV ever again. He can't put 2 words together and it was just an absolute debacle.

[Muskeagle]

I watched at a bar...so no sound. The one thing that annoyed me was the almost complete lack of graphics. Other than at halftime, there was NO graphic about the free throw shooting. We barely got points info when someone as at the line. Major difference with some of the headline games on other networks: for example: "team A on 14-1 run over last 2:33". I think there was one line about Tennessee going scoreless for 4 mins in the first half...but that was about it. Knowing that a lot of viewers don't get to hear the broadcast....hopefully they'll get better on this score.

[xudash]

I was not impressed with the play-by-play guy last night from the game. I just got the feeling that he really didn't want to be there. At times I forgot he was doing the play-by-play.

Actually, at one point Raftery asked him if he had ever been "in this building before" and what he thought. The guy basically gushed over it, noting that the Big East really made out by having such an on campus arena as part of its league.

Not just because of his comments about the Cintas Center, but I liked him. I think he was low key and that was the extent of it. Perhaps Fox is giving Raf a break from Gus's energy every once in a while.

[Titanxman04]

Actually, at one point Raftery asked him if he had ever been "in this building before" and what he thought. The guy basically gushed over it, noting that the Big East really made out by having such an on campus arena as part of its league.

Not just because of his comments about the Cintas Center, but I liked him. I think he was low key and that was the extent of it. Perhaps Fox is giving Raf a break from Gus's energy every once in a while.

I think they didn't want the PbyP guy to get in Raferty's way. Raferty is the big name at the table, don't trample on him.

[Masterofreality]

Gotta tell you. I've been very impressed by the way Fox Sports 1 covers live games. Multiple camera angles and much better overall views than ESPN and FSOhio used to have.

I've also very much liked the announcing crews. Of course we all love Raftery, but Bob Wentzel is very, very solid and play by play guy Mike Gleason, who has had a few if our games does his homework. He knew about Matt Stainbrook going to "St. Eds" and a number of other facts.

This is obviously a building of a network, but ESPN had better watch their ass, because FS1 has already passed them when it comes to quality of coverage. The fact that the regional Fox Sports Networks also cover tons of College Basketball will also have an impact.

[waggy]

I think they suck at getting replays que'd. Sometimes they are oblivious to what is going on. They were really slow in realizing the officials wanted to a look at a play for a possible flagarant.

And is it my imagination, or are there long periods where there is no score graphic? Or maybe the score graphic goes away when they do a replay?

[XU Cowbell Kid]

I get really annoyed when they shrink the entire broadcast window down to keep the proper aspect ratio and then throw a tiny advertisement on the right hand side. I'd rather have the ad pop up over the bottom corner of the game than have the entire game shrink down to about 65% of the original size.

Other than that, no complaints here! It's been nice being able to watch every game from St. Louis.

[xu82]

I am just glad to get so many games and not have to compete with hockey from Columbus or some other nonsense. ESPN on Day One was not the ESPN of today. I'm glad to have competition as it will make everyone better. The commentators are fine and they will get better with time with graphics, etc.

[Titanxman04]

I get really annoyed when they shrink the entire broadcast window down to keep the proper aspect ratio and then throw a tiny advertisement on the right hand side. I'd rather have the ad pop up over the bottom corner of the game than have the entire game shrink down to about 65% of the original size.

Other than that, no complaints here! It's been nice being able to watch every game from St. Louis.

If and when they do that during broadcasts, they should at least throw up an interesting stat for the game. Or the top scorers from each team and their stats so far. Something other than just an advertisement.

[BMoreX]

Gotta say, they've really been pimping this marathon for a week on FS1, with commercials about it during practically every break.

[Porkopolis]

As someone who couldn't make it to Cintas today, I must say I'm loving having the ultimate team of college hoops announcers at our game. It's like watching a tournament game in December.

[XU-PA]

Raftery and Johnson are unbeatable,,,, really, just perfect. I mean who among us doesn't sport wood when Raftery calls Stain "The Big Fella"??

[GoMuskies]

Gus and Raff were great today. I hope the nation starts watching!

[BMoreX]

Prov-SHU being called by two women.

Not trying to be sexist, just don't think I've ever seen that before.

[BlueGuy]

Prov-SHU being called by two women.

Not trying to be sexist, just don't think I've ever seen that before.

I noticed that... No interest in this game. I'm gonna check out some football instead.

[Masterofreality]

I noticed that... No interest in this game. I'm gonna check out some football instead.

All basketball, alllllllllllllllllllllllll day.

[XUOHTX]

I'm actually surprised they pulled out the big guns for our game. I guess they just figured the first game of the new BE season was more important than any other "better" matchups.

[Pajama Joe]

They're headed to Indy as well for the Butler game...I think the network liked the double dip with the two.

[GoMuskies]

I'm actually surprised they pulled out the big guns for our game. I guess they just figured the first game of the new BE season was more important than any other "better" matchups.

It's also because they can get to Indy to do the Butler/Nova game tonight. There's no other pair of matchups that would have enabled Gus and Raff to do two games today.

[LadyMuskie]

Prov-SHU being called by two women.

Not trying to be sexist, just don't think I've ever seen that before.

Personally (and here I go hurting the sisterhood again) I don't really care for female announcers for most things. There are some that aren't bad, and maybe I've just been conditioned by listening to men my whole life, but I'm not really a big fan.

[BMoreX]

All basketball, alllllllllllllllllllllllll day.

Same. I want to see how all of these Big East teams.

[Chermy23]

I was at the game today and forgot to DVR it and would love to watch it again listening to Gus and "Uncle One More"

Anyone know if the game will be replayed?

[WCWIII]

It's great having the FS1 pre and postgame where there is actual Xavier coverage and analysis - not just a highlight or two. I'm loving this Big East deal and this team is becoming one of my favorites.

[BMoreX]

I was at the game today and forgot to DVR it and would love to watch it again listening to Gus and "Uncle One More"

Anyone know if the game will be replayed?

10 PM tomorrow on FS OHIO.

[wkrq59]

Enjoyed Bill & Buddy on TV today. Pleased with the Fox thus far. Can't bitch, really. Nobody's perfect.

[XU-PA]

They are doing a decent job, the real negative for the game is the crowd,,, the place is like a funeral parlor.

editing because I wasn't very clear,,,,,, tried to comment on the 2 females doing a game later in the day,,,, they were doing a decent job. the crowd at the game was terrible till the very end, the Dunkin Donut Center must be a cavernous place.

[Cheesehead]

They are doing a decent job, the real negative for the game is the crowd,,, the place is like a funeral parlor.

Everyone is saying crowd was actually good today.

[Xavier]

I was at the game today and forgot to DVR it and would love to watch it again listening to Gus and "Uncle One More"

Anyone know if the game will be replayed?

I really wish FX1 would have replays online, much like ESPN3. I know thats asking for a lot, just saying.

[MADXSTER]

Everyone is saying crowd was actually good today.

Not our game.

[bobbiemcgee]

A few hi-lites:



http://msn.foxsports.com/college-basketball/video?related=2ad5b50a-bf46-4ccd-bb2b-1aa199f96a30

[Cheesehead]

Not our game.

confused, as there is another thread complimenting today's crowd. My son used our tickets and he said it was a good atmosphere and Byron and Joe stated the same thing on post game wrap-up.

[GoMuskies]

The people in this thread talking about the lack of atmosphere are talking about Providence.

[Cheesehead]

The people in this thread talking about the lack of atmosphere are talking about Providence.

ohhhhh, I must be drunk then.

[Jumpy]

The people in this thread talking about the lack of atmosphere are talking about Providence.

I think they were talking about our game. At least, XU PA and Madxster were. I thought the crowd was pretty good. I took the family and sat in the rafters. The crowd was quiet at times, but reacted well to things happening on the court. In all, a good effort for an odd game time with the students on break, IMO.

[Cheesehead]

I think they were talking about our game. At least, XU PA and Madxster were. I thought the crowd was pretty good. I took the family and sat in the rafters. The crowd was quiet at times, but reacted well to things happening on the court. In all, a good effort for an odd game time with the students on break, IMO.

Well, I know they are homers and I love them, but Joe and Byron both commented on the crowd. I was unfortunately not there but for a break game it sounded like a good effort by all.

[XU-PA]

Everyone is saying crowd was actually good today.

Clarifying,,,, stupid me though I was quoting. Thread is on how FoxSports1 was doing so far,

was responding to remark about 2 female announcers in a later game. they were doing a decent job, little rocky at the end when they tried to pump up their emotion a little, but it was still ok. The atmosphere in that arena was awful, the Dunkin Donut Center sounded like a funeral parlor till the very end.

The way it came over on TV, the crowd at Cintas was epic, add to that the #1 announcing team,,,, XU was well repped on national tv

[MADXSTER]

I was talking about the Providence game not the Xavier game.

[Masterofreality]

Actually didn't see the Nova/Butler game due to New Years Frivolity, but it's on a Fox Sports 2 replay at 2pm today. Wanna see it then.

[Muskie]

Actually didn't see the Nova/Butler game due to New Years Frivolity, but it's on a Fox Sports 2 replay at 2pm today. Wanna see it then.

Crowd was good at the Butler game from what I observed.

Also Creighton packed the house for the late game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[BlueGuy]

I have a sick kid, and sick wife. We were stuck at home all day yesterday. I spent a good chunk of the day watching FS1. Yesterday's coverage was outstanding. I really enjoyed watching all of the games. I hope they make this New Years Eve hoops marathon an annual thing.

[nuts4xu]

Anyone who thought the Cintas center crowd was bad yesterday needs their head examined. It was undoubtedly the best crowd of the year for Xavier.

There was a buzz in the arena before the game.

[Masterofreality]

I have a sick kid, and sick wife. We were stuck at home all day yesterday. I spent a good chunk of the day watching FS1. Yesterday's coverage was outstanding. I really enjoyed watching all of the games. I hope they make this New Years Eve hoops marathon an annual thing.

This times 10.

The "A" team coverage with Gus and Raft was Big....Time....Major....League stuff. Not just the announcing, but the extra cameras. Fox is selling out on this coverage. On both the Xavier and Butler/Nova game they had cameras everywhere. A camera above each basket, a mid-court on court camera, cameras on court beneath each basket, the usual mid court high cameras and the camera shooting the angle from high above the court. There were some terrific shots and replays from multiple angles.

We are playing in the Big Time now, folks. Fox is throwing down the gauntlet to ESPN as to how to cover college basketball. This league is quality already, but wait for a couple of years for people to find Fox Sports 1 and this will be amazing.

[Backyard Champ]

I was overall happy, but wow they had a terrible crew for the game following Xavier. It was an all girl crew, who showed little to no emotion, despite it going into double overtime.

[Masterofreality]

I was overall happy, but wow they had a terrible crew for the game following Xavier. It was an all girl crew, who showed little to no emotion, despite it going into double overtime.

Have you ever heard the hacks that ESPNU has on some of their games? There were only so many good crews to go around when you're running 5 games in a row. They had old pro Dick Stockton and Bob Wentzel on the GTown game. Didn't see the Creighton game so I don't know who did that one.

[Muskie]

Have you ever heard the hacks that ESPNU has on some of their games? There were only so many good crews to go around when you're running 5 games in a row. They had old pro Dick Stockton and Bob Wentzel on the GTown game. Didn't see the Creighton game so I don't know who did that one.
I didn't love the crew that called the Creighton/Marquette game. Donny Marshall and the other guy didn't pair up well from what I watched. Maybe they will grow on me.

[Masterofreality]

The fact that FS1 has an entire hour College Hoops warm-up show on a Saturday with an almost full Big East focus is super. We've never had in-depth coverage like this before and even ESPN never gave the league that kind of promo.

This thing will just grow and grow.

[Xavier]

Kind of stinks one of the better games of the Big East season isnt on Fox Sports 1 (Game tomorrow on CBSsports)

[X-band '01]

In some ways, maybe not. Notice how Fox isn't scheduling games when they have NFL games going on concurrently.

[BlueX]

The scrolling score graphic is much improved. Also like that fsl has added permanent sidebar.

[Muskie]

i watch FS1 every morning. Haven't watched Sportscenter in months.

[SM#24]

Same here

[Juice]

i watch FS1 every morning. Haven't watched Sportscenter in months.

I do watch Fox Sports Live or whatever it's called over Sprortscenter but Donovan McNabb is awful. He comes off completely unlikable and personality is awful. It makes me now realize that TO and Philly fans were right for hating the guy.

[GoMuskies]

I had never really looked at the Fox Sports website until tonight. Man, that site is a mess. I will not be giving up espn.com for that.

[LA Muskie]

Was there a single paid add during our game on Saturday? It seemed like every spot was a promo.

[Xtemporaneous]

I didn't get to watch the game but if that's the case... ewww. They should package prime-time ad buyers and show their ads earlier in the day. Again if it weren't supported by a much larger company flush with cash I'd be very worried. But wait a few years and let them bid (and win) more sports. Plus baseball on Fox1 will be great. Also the BIG EAST will gain traction again.

[Titanxman04]

I had never really looked at the Fox Sports website until tonight. Man, that site is a mess. I will not be giving up espn.com for that.

Yeah. Their Big East section isn't much either. I still rely on espn.com for anything sports related. Fox's website is intolerable.

[RoseyMuskie]

I had never really looked at the Fox Sports website until tonight. Man, that site is a mess. I will not be giving up espn.com for that.

Totally agree. I almost exclusively tune to FS1 instead of ESPN now, but if I'm reading articles or want to glance over the headlines, ESPN always gets the nod (over SI, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports, Fox, etc.). SI's website is close, but ESPN's website is no doubt the best when compared to them all. Not only do they have a clean, user-friendly layout, but the articles are written generally by bigger names (part of the reason SI comes close). Hate to say it, but I'd rather read what Andy Katz has to say than whoever Fox's main beat guy has to say (I don't even know who it is). I oftentimes don't agree with the ESPN guys, but I value their opinions more than many others because of their credibility and sources.

[RoseyMuskie]

One other comment to add - I love the BE/FS1 deal because my knowledge of the entire league has grown tremendously. I attempted to follow the A-10 before, but it was just too tough with the hodge-podge TV deals and smaller markets. Even when X would be on, the BE, B10, ACC, and SEC would still get all the highlights at halftime. Now, the BE is almost exclusively featured. It's great having virtually one channel that puts our conference above all others, and knowing that if I want to know what's going on or who's playing, I can simply tune to FS1.

[BMoreX]

One other comment to add - I love the BE/FS1 deal because my knowledge of the entire league has grown tremendously. I attempted to follow the A-10 before, but it was just too tough with the hodge-podge TV deals and smaller markets. Even when X would be on, the BE, B10, ACC, and SEC would still get all the highlights at halftime. Now, the BE is almost exclusively featured. It's great having virtually one channel that puts our conference above all others, and knowing that if I want to know what's going on or who's playing, I can simply tune to FS1.

Yeah, I try to watch most Big East games this year and for the most part, I'm able to. Not a chance I could have last year.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Does anybody have insight on when TWC, DISH or DTv will be added to fox sports go app? It's killing me that I can't watch these X games on my IPAD while at work.

[XUOHTX]

Does anybody have insight on when TWC, DISH or DTv will be added to fox sports go app? It's killing me that I can't watch these X games on my IPAD while at work.

I like your style.

[LA Muskie]

I didn't get to watch the game but if that's the case... ewww. They should package prime-time ad buyers and show their ads earlier in the day. Again if it weren't supported by a much larger company flush with cash I'd be very worried. But wait a few years and let them bid (and win) more sports. Plus baseball on Fox1 will be great. Also the BIG EAST will gain traction again.
It's almost not fair to expect much more since we are basically their first programming. But it was a bit surprising nevertheless. I am confident that Fox will get it working when they have a full stable of sports programming. And you're right -- it is nice to have a company that can afford for the network to take its lumps getting there.

[casualfan]

It's almost not fair to expect much more since we are basically their first programming. But it was a bit surprising nevertheless. I am confident that Fox will get it working when they have a full stable of sports programming. And you're right -- it is nice to have a company that can afford for the network to take its lumps getting there.

I remember seeing an article a few months ago that talked about how Fox was having to show commercials during the world series for free to make up for the lack of eyeballs on their live sporting events on FS1. There was talk at the time that there may have to even be some early day super bowl coverage time slots given away for the same reason.

[OH.X.MI]

Any show that roasts Rick Reilly like this is fine by me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpkfUHHAjuk

[BlueGuy]

Any show that roasts Rick Reilly like this is fine by me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpkfUHHAjuk

This little fight between them has gone viral. It might bring some viewers to that show. After I saw all the links on twitter, I tuned in for the first time.

[GoMuskies]

Rick Reilly does blow goats. I may have to dig up my terrible sportswriting thread to add some more of his work to it. Mitch Albom, too. I think Morrie was begging to die after having to spend all those Tuesdays with Albom.

[Pluto]

How did Fox start up? Minimal programming and built a following by doing things differently and is now the #1 broadcast channel.

How did Fox News start up? Minimal programming but built a following by doing things differently and is now the #1 news channel.

I am confident that FS1 will be fine and by the looks of it they have some experience building up a channel.

[Burrcats]

If a show has a 0.0 TV rating and some person I've never heard of makes snarky comments does it make a sound??

[Juice]

If a show has a 0.0 TV rating and some person I've never heard of makes snarky comments does it make a sound??

The video has been picked up by the major blogs. At the very least it confirms that everyone thinks that Rick Reilly is the worst.

[OH.X.MI]

If a show has a 0.0 TV rating and some person I've never heard of makes snarky comments does it make a sound??

I'd watch Katie Nolan make snarky comments any day of the week, but maybe thats just me bro.

[Masterofreality]

Rick Reilly does blow goats. I may have to dig up my terrible sportswriting thread to add some more of his work to it. Mitch Albom, too. I think Morrie was begging to die after having to spend all those Tuesdays with Albom.


Hahhahahahaha! This


How did Fox start up? Minimal programming and built a following by doing things differently and is now the #1 broadcast channel.

How did Fox News start up? Minimal programming but built a following by doing things differently and is now the #1 news channel.

I am confident that FS1 will be fine and by the looks of it they have some experience building up a channel.

And seriously, This!

[beatuc]

If a show has a 0.0 TV rating and some person I've never heard of makes snarky comments does it make a sound??

Maybe. You could probably answer that yourself. If UC plays at home and nobody is there to watch it, is there really a crowd?

[UCGRAD4X]

According to the Bearcat-Lusting media….(?)

[waggy]

I like their Supercross coverage. Not that it's particularly well done, just that it exists at all. One of those sports that's always gotten buried and hard to find. It's been live for a few weeks now after basketball. This might change when the series goes east though.

[Burrcats]

Maybe. You could probably answer that yourself. If UC plays at home and nobody is there to watch it, is there really a crowd?

Cincinnati has had a better crowd for the games against Rutgers, Central Florida and USF than Xavier has had this entire season. So, if Xavier is beat at home against Seton Hall but no one sees the game on TV, does it happen?

[GoMuskies]

Their Super Bowl commercial is brutal.

[usfldan]

I thought this was a lost opportunity. I didn't see too much of the pre-game, but all I saw had the regular Fox football group. In my ideal world, they would have bumped their usual bozos and had people from FS1 in their place. At the very least they could have worked them in- especially with Terry Bradshaw not being there.

[GoMuskies]

Wait, you don't think Andy Roddick as a potted plant will resonate with the American viewing public?!?

[waggy]

Wasn't too sure about Austin Croshere at first, but he's settled in and is doing a nice job right now.

[NY44]

http://nypost.com/2014/02/10/mike-francesa-headed-to-fox-sports-1/

I don't know if people outside of the New York area know who Mike Francesa is, but he just signed up to broadcast his radio show on Fox Sports 1 and it's definitely a big deal. He is absolutely enormous here and has really developed a cult following over his long career with WFAN. He is an NFL guru, but his show covers every sport very well. If nothing more this move will bring more fans to FS1 and take away some of NASCAR and UFCs airtime.

[GoMuskies]

Anyone remember SportsNight from ABC? Sometimes when I'm watching Fox Sports Live, I'm convinced that FSL is intended to be a real life version of the show that was at the heart of Sports Night. That's not really a compliment.

[X-band '01]

I'd love to see if they bring Mike Francesa into the CBB shows; he used to do halftime shows with Jim Nantz at CBS a long time ago.

Would this be the same show they currently simulcast on YES?

[Cheesehead]

Cincinnati has had a better crowd for the games against Rutgers, Central Florida and USF than Xavier has had this entire season. So, if Xavier is beat at home against Seton Hall but no one sees the game on TV, does it happen?

Well, they should considering their enrollment is approx 30,000 and the vast number of UC grads in the area.

In 2013, XU was #43 in NCAA for attendance while UC was 48th but let's not let the facts get in the way.

[Juice]

I'd love to see if they bring Mike Francesa into the CBB shows; he used to do halftime shows with Jim Nantz at CBS a long time ago.

Would this be the same show they currently simulcast on YES?

He's no longer on YES. Michael Kay is now being shown. Michael Kay is awful.

[Cheesehead]

Austin Croshere is painful to watch. A robot might have more personality.

[X-Fan]

Austin Croshere is painful to watch. A robot might have more personality.
LOL! I couldn't agree more! Don't think he could keep his face/mouth more still while talking if he tried. I keep expecting his ventriloquist to pop up from behind him.

[bigdiggins]

Sitting in a hotel room in Dallas watching x vs butler. Fox sports 1 kicks ass

[Xman95]

Still sucks. (other than the Xavier/Big East basketball games)

[Xman95]

Anyone remember SportsNight from ABC? Sometimes when I'm watching Fox Sports Live, I'm convinced that FSL is intended to be a real life version of the show that was at the heart of Sports Night. That's not really a compliment.

Yep, only SportsNight would have been a better real highlight show than the crap FoxSports1 puts out there.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I'd like to see more Stephen Bardo and less Kevin O'Neill.

[SlimKibbles]

I'd like to see more Stephen Bardo and less Kevin O'Neill.

I always thought Bardo was a good color analyst on ESPN. Glad he made the switch to Fox.

[RoseyMuskie]

Was impressed by Bardo. Definitely did his homework. If I recall correctly, he did our games in Anaheim list year, so he's familiar with a good portion of the roster.

[GoMuskies]

Was impressed by Bardo. Definitely did his homework.

Other than not knowing that Mack could get up back in the day. But that would have been REALLY deep research.

[KC4X]

Who's the guy calling the St. John's/Seton Hall game who can't pronounce a 't'? He says, for example, 'See-un Hall.' That drives me crazy!

[Cheesehead]

Molly McGrath is really hot. This I know.

[nkymuskie]

Molly McGrath is really hot. This I know.

She is the definition of a strong 10. Holy smoke show.

[Juice]

Molly McGrath is really hot. This I know.

I'm a big fan of Charissa Thompson https://www.google.com/search?q=charissa+thompson+splits+gif&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=XmL_UpGCOLTlygH3l4DYDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=749#imgrc=t3uD7doktwdYtM%253A%3BYXRacMGKaseRSM %3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fguyism.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F08%252FCharissa-Thompson-splits.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.footballsfutur e.com%252FphpBB2%252Fviewtopic.php%253Fp%253D16746 846%3B621%3B335

[xuwin]

I'm a big fan of Charissa Thompson https://www.google.com/search?q=charissa+thompson+splits+gif&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=XmL_UpGCOLTlygH3l4DYDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=749#imgrc=t3uD7doktwdYtM%253A%3BYXRacMGKaseRSM %3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fguyism.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F08%252FCharissa-Thompson-splits.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.footballsfutur e.com%252FphpBB2%252Fviewtopic.php%253Fp%253D16746 846%3B621%3B335

Not fair without pictures.

[Juice]

Not fair without pictures.

Sorry, my gif didn't work.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV77zd7Yrsk

[xuwin]

Sorry, my gif didn't work.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV77zd7Yrsk

Thanks, I approve.

[Cheesehead]

Actually, Fox has a nice a nice trio going with Thompson, McGrath, and Andrews. Even the Nolan chick is cute.

[Xavier]

Don't know how true it is, but saw @TVSportsRTGS: 10:30a airing of Andy Griffith on TV Land had 493K viewers yesterday. Nothing on FS1 Wed had more than 434K.

[xubrew]

Don't know how true it is, but saw @TVSportsRTGS: 10:30a airing of Andy Griffith on TV Land had 493K viewers yesterday. Nothing on FS1 Wed had more than 434K.

Sounds about right. TV Land, I believe, is more widely distributed, it appeals to an older audience that is more likely to be home at 10:30am, and whereas there are over 100 sports channels, there aren't nearly that many that specialize in showing reruns of old television programs.

the Yule Log at Christmas destroys most sports programming.

FS1 has bad ratings, but I don't think that's a surprise. And, at the end of the day, who cares?? The broadcast quality and quantity is outstanding. Andy Griffith is probably only on one channel. College basketball is on dozens of channels.

[BBC 08]

They can go fuck themselves. Really? Showing NASCAR practice on the main channel when you say you will show the Xavier game? Awful.

[xubrew]

They can go fuck themselves. Really? Showing NASCAR practice on the main channel when you say you will show the Xavier game? Awful.

What the FUCK!!!!?? SERIOUSLY??

At least the game is on FS2, but I missed the beginning of it. That's partly my fault, though. I like DVRing the beginning of the game and start watching about 15 or twenty minutes after it starts so I can speed through the commercials and catch up to live time by halftime. Obviously, I missed the beginning because I didn't know it would be relegated to FS2 in favor of NASCAR practice.

[Porkopolis]

Fox Sports needs to hear about this. Would they show a Xavier shoot around instead of a live NASCAR race? No way.

[PharmXU]

My cable provider doesn't carry Fox Sports 2 or Fox Sports Go, so I got a nice surprise this morning learning that I am basically out of luck.

To make matters worse, I heard the 11:30am start time was to accommodate FS1....who then promptly decided to show NASCAR practice instead.

Fox really has a knack for screwing up anything they touch.

[LA Muskie]

My thoughts today are that it sucks. NASCAR. Practice. I mean we're talking about PRACTICE!!!

[KC4X]

And these announcers suck too. One just said a few minutes ago that Randolph was in for the first time... not. And that they still have to play Creighton on the road... not. Two of many stupid comments.

[xubrew]

I wonder what the ratings are going to be for the UAB v Charlotte game. I bet it's their lowest rated football or basketball game all year.

[paulxu]

I have no idea what they have been doing for the last 5 hours or so of a rain delay at Daytona...I just turned it on.
Guess they are going to re-start it soon.
Anyway, there are probably a lot of people watching this channel for the re-start.
So...they get to watch the commercial for the Big East Tournament. Veeeeeeeeery nice.

(Unfortunately, 99.8% of them live here in South Carolina, and will not be going to New York City. They may not even know where that is.)

[GoMuskies]

Fox sure has mangled its operation of the Scout messageboards on a number of occasions.

[GoMuskies]

Um...whoops?

"From March 12-15, Louisville looks to defend its Big East crown vs. Creighton and senior Bluejays forward Doug McDermott. Meanwhile, freshman guard Andrew Wiggins and the Kansas Jayhawks battle it out for bragging rights in the Big 12."


http://msn.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/2014-college-basketball-conference-tournament-schedule-022614

[waggy]

Calling it right now, Louisville wont win a single game in the BE tourny this year.

[X-band '01]

I bet the Cards don't even have the guts to show their faces in New York.

[Muskie]

If my guide is correct there is no bracket show on fs1 today? No preview show. No live reveal. No show to go over the picks. So on a day when everyone is wanting basketball info. They have no programming. That's a failure in my opinion.

[xu82]

If my guide is correct there is no bracket show on fs1 today? No preview show. No live reveal. No show to go over the picks. So on a day when everyone is wanting basketball info. They have no programming. That's a failure in my opinion.

But if you crave dirt bikes and monster trucks, that's your channel! Yep, not even giving themselves a chance.

[THRILLHOUSE]

If my guide is correct there is no bracket show on fs1 today? No preview show. No live reveal. No show to go over the picks. So on a day when everyone is wanting basketball info. They have no programming. That's a failure in my opinion.

I'm sure they will have McNabb and Roddick debating the bracket on Fox Sports Live

[xsteve1]

If my guide is correct there is no bracket show on fs1 today? No preview show. No live reveal. No show to go over the picks. So on a day when everyone is wanting basketball info. They have no programming. That's a failure in my opinion.

Agree. They are missing the boat. Rafferty and the gang should be on for at least an hour discussing selections.

[waggy]

I don't get impression Raf really cares for studio work.

[BMoreX]

Damn, that's a real big lost opportunity.

Just checked the schedule and it's nascar all night.

[X-band '01]

CBS Sports Network will begin their post-Selection coverage at 8 PM tonight.

The 4-letter network began last night as soon as they made Krazooski begin politicking for NC State.

[Masterofreality]

I don't know what happened to that thread. It seems to have gotten lost in cyberspace.

But, just wanted to point out that Major League Baseball comes to FS1 today. A lot more eyeballs will find this network.

It will build.....and they will come. Patience.

[Muskie]

MOR, I think you're looking for this one.

[Muskie]

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?25744-Thoughts-on-Fox1-so-far/page20&highlight=Foxsports

[Masterofreality]

Sorry,

Please merge!

[xubrew]

ESPN did a remarkable job of marketing ESPN2 and ESPNU by using ESPN to market it. They would have games on ESPN, and announce upcoming games on ESPNU during that game. That way, people knew it was there and that there were intriguing games on those channels. XU played UC on ESPNU very shortly after it was launched. Everyone who wanted to watch that game knew what channel it was on.

From what I saw, Fox did no such thing. People who had FS1 didn't realize they had it. Die hard fans who seek out games find them. Casual fans are what drive the ratings, and people flipping channels looking for any decent game to watch didn't find, or even have a consciousness of, FS1.

Fail.

They should have put one game a week on the flagship network, and plugged FS1 during the game. They should have done this during football season as well. Fox did show football games, but from what I saw never made mention of FS1. Free to air networks always draw big ratings. I don't know why, but they do. A gameshow rerun will generate decent ratings on a free to air network, or even a basic cable network. Fox has one. It's called Fox. They didn't use it to promote their other networks.

Ratings for regular season hoops are never good, but ours were REALLY bad. The only people we got watching our games were diehard fans, and NASCAR fans who tuned in for a few minutes wondering what the hell happened to the Speed Channel.

The production quality?? I give it an A. It was great. I don't like the media most of the time, but our announcers were pretty good, and they weren't always cutting to 48 different camera angles to show you that they had 48 different camera angles. They just showed you the game, which is all I really want to see.

The air time?? A+. Superb. If they had to preempt a game, they put it on FS2 and let you know it was there. We have never been on the air in this many households...ever. It was great. People were frustrated at times, but ultimately we were always on and always in hi def.

This was all great stuff. It's too bad so few people saw it.

Marketing...F-minus. It was terrible.

When I walk into peoples' homes that enjoy sports, enjoy college sports, and enjoy college basketball, and they say to me "Oh, wait, we have that channel?? I didn't know we had that channel." That's a problem. This happened to me (and I'm not exaggerating), at least ten times.

Fox did everything right, except let people know that they were there.

One game a week on the flagship network, and having the semifinals and finals of the conference tournament on the flagship network, would have gone a long way toward fixing that.

[muskienick]

ESPN did a remarkable job of marketing ESPN2 and ESPNU by using ESPN to market it. They would have games on ESPN, and announce upcoming games on ESPNU during that game. That way, people knew it was there and that there were intriguing games on those channels. XU played UC on ESPNU very shortly after it was launched. Everyone who wanted to watch that game knew what channel it was on.

From what I saw, Fox did no such thing. People who had FS1 didn't realize they had it. Die hard fans who seek out games find them. Casual fans are what drive the ratings, and people flipping channels looking for any decent game to watch didn't find, or even have a consciousness of, FS1.

Fail.

They should have put one game a week on the flagship network, and plugged FS1 during the game. They should have done this during football season as well. Fox did show football games, but from what I saw never made mention of FS1. Free to air networks always draw big ratings. I don't know why, but they do. A gameshow rerun will generate decent ratings on a free to air network, or even a basic cable network. Fox has one. It's called Fox. They didn't use it to promote their other networks.

Ratings for regular season hoops are never good, but ours were REALLY bad. The only people we got watching our games were diehard fans, and NASCAR fans who tuned in for a few minutes wondering what the hell happened to the Speed Channel.

The production quality?? I give it an A. It was great. I don't like the media most of the time, but our announcers were pretty good, and they weren't always cutting to 48 different camera angles to show you that they had 48 different camera angles. They just showed you the game, which is all I really want to see.

The air time?? A+. Superb. If they had to preempt a game, they put it on FS2 and let you know it was there. We have never been on the air in this many households...ever. It was great. People were frustrated at times, but ultimately we were always on and always in hi def.

This was all great stuff. It's too bad so few people saw it.

Marketing...F-minus. It was terrible.

When I walk into peoples' homes that enjoy sports, enjoy college sports, and enjoy college basketball, and they say to me "Oh, wait, we have that channel?? I didn't know we had that channel." That's a problem. This happened to me (and I'm not exaggerating), at least ten times.

Fox did everything right, except let people know that they were there.

One game a week on the flagship network, and having the semifinals and finals of the conference tournament on the flagship network, would have gone a long way toward fixing that.

Rome wasn't made in a day and ESPN has had 35 years to become what it is today. Let's not panic yet! The one big thing that FS1 must do is to get all the TV systems (Dish, Direct TV, Comcast, Time Warner, Fioptics, etc.) to include FS2 into their basic channel lineup. I don't know about yours, but my system doesn't even offer FS2 yet anywhere in their packages, much less at the basic level. It does, on the other hand, offer ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN News as channel options 28, 29, and 30 respectively. ESPNU is offered in their Sports Tier on Channel 200 along with the NBC sports, CBS sports, MLB, and a bunch of other sports-related channels, but even there --- no FS2! (And that was even after they took off the Big 10 Network from two channels in that tier!)

[XU Cowbell Kid]

Add me to the list that thinks FS1 is going in the right direction. Being a Reds fan in St. Louis, it kinda kills me how much people here love the Cardinals. But I will say, they do it right. They just built this new place right next to the stadium called "Ballpark Village" with two levels of bars all packed around a huge common area with a 35 foot tall TV on one wall. Fox Sports Midwest runs all the Cards games, and they have a live studio incorporated in the Village as well. I'm assuming Fox Sports poured a bunch of money into this thing as their logo is basically everywhere. But because of this, if there isn't a Cards game on, guess what channel gets all the airtime on the 35 foot TV? Fox Sports 1. The other night I was there and there had to be a couple thousand people getting their sports highlights from Fox Sports 1. Granted, I don't think any of them are going to switch to using this as their primary sports channel based on one night at a bar, but I do think it is a nice step in achieving name recognition.

[Masterofreality]

Interesting take on FS1 ratings from Marquette blog Paint Touches.

http://painttouches.com/2014/04/08/big-east-fox-sports-1-ratings-pick-up-steam-in-march/

[Muskie]

Add me to the list that thinks FS1 is going in the right direction. Being a Reds fan in St. Louis, it kinda kills me how much people here love the Cardinals. But I will say, they do it right. They just built this new place right next to the stadium called "Ballpark Village" with two levels of bars all packed around a huge common area with a 35 foot tall TV on one wall. Fox Sports Midwest runs all the Cards games, and they have a live studio incorporated in the Village as well. I'm assuming Fox Sports poured a bunch of money into this thing as their logo is basically everywhere. But because of this, if there isn't a Cards game on, guess what channel gets all the airtime on the 35 foot TV? Fox Sports 1. The other night I was there and there had to be a couple thousand people getting their sports highlights from Fox Sports 1. Granted, I don't think any of them are going to switch to using this as their primary sports channel based on one night at a bar, but I do think it is a nice step in achieving name recognition.

Now that is evidence of some great outside the box promoting by FS1

[nkymuskie]

I think FS1 will eventually come around, it will just take time to build a quality base of shows and sports. The past few days I have found myself flipping between the Champions league games on FS1 and FS2. Even though the games are on in the middle of the day, they were very good games with very good teams. I'm sure there was a decent audience tuned in for that.

[MADXSTER]

Now that is evidence of some great outside the box promoting by FS1

I call FUBAR! I had that idea years ago regarding outside of RiverFront Stadium on the Plaza. Brew Stations, Jumbo Trons, Eateries, but did anyone ever listen to me. NO!

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

They're doing a nice job with Horse Racing on (occasional) Saturday afternoons.

They focus on handicapping and betting which is cool.

They leave the hats and umbrella drink stories to the networks.

And they just show the race from pan.

They don't have cameras speeding around on pick ups in front of the race or goofy ground level shots.

Minimalist. Unusual for Fox. Good for the Turf Game.

[Masterofreality]

FS1 is getting some big time eyeballs on it with the MLB playoffs and their college football schedule.

If Big East teams can produce, we all should be very happy with this partnership.

[XUFan09]

FS1 is getting some big time eyeballs on it with the MLB playoffs and their college football schedule.

If Big East teams can produce, we all should be very happy with this partnership.

They seem to have corrected some of their worst transitions. Early on, at best the game was coming back as the pitcher was throwing the first pitch of the half of the inning, and sometimes they would miss multiple pitches (and even a man getting on base). Now, the game usually comes back in time and at worst it returns as the first pitch is being thrown.

[casualfan]

FS1 is getting some big time eyeballs on it with the MLB playoffs and their college football schedule.

If Big East teams can produce, we all should be very happy with this partnership.

Hmm, I guess it depends on how you look at it.

From this article which is titled 'MLB Postseason TV Ratings: Playoffs Up on TBS, Down on FS1 and MLB Network'
(http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2014/10/mlb-postseason-tv-ratings-2014-tbs-up-fs1-down-royals-orioles-cardinals-giants/)

The Dodgers/Cardinals nightcap drew 2.9 million viewers on Fox Sports 1, down 26% from Braves/Dodgers Game 4 last year (3.9M) but up 9% Tigers/Athletics in 2012 (2.7M). Of the four playoff games on FS1, three rank among the network’s ten most-viewed programs since rebranding — but the same number have declined double-digits from last year.

Though each network has set multiple viewership records, five of the six playoff games on FS1 and MLB Network have declined double-digits from the comparable windows last year.


Here (http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/nbcsn-pulling-ahead-of-fox-sports-1-in-ratings-race.html) is another sobering article from a few months back that talks about NBCSN dominating FS1 in primetime viewership.

[X-band '01]

To your 2nd article, NBC Sports Network also had the advantage of the Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs to give themselves a ratings boost. Hopefully FS1 will be able to get a similar boost as the MLB playoffs continue.

[Masterofreality]

Well, people are still trying to find the damn network. As we've said all along, it's a building process and the only way to build it is to put high profile events on there where people in different places are forced to find where it is and then, at least, check for what may be on it on a random winter night.

Of course, NFL football would immediately draw a huge audience, and who knows if Fox may not throw an NFL game on there at some point just for exposure.

ESPN has built their brand over 35 years. We're barely a year into FS1. Patience is required although in today's instant gratification society, many don't have much of it.

[casualfan]

Well, people are still trying to find the damn network. As we've said all along, it's a building process and the only way to build it is to put high profile events on there where people in different places are forced to find where it is and then, at least, check for what may be on it on a random winter night.

Of course, NFL football would immediately draw a huge audience, and who knows if Fox may not throw an NFL game on there at some point just for exposure.

ESPN has built their brand over 35 years. We're barely a year into FS1. Patience is required although in today's instant gratification society, many don't have much of it.

I agree that NFL football would help, but I also don't think you'll see NFL games on there any time soon.

I also agree that people are still trying to find the network, and more importantly remember it exists.

Just the other night I was trying to find the baseball game and couldn't figure out what channel it was one. I checked TBS, Fox, and MLB Network. Then I started checking the ESPNs and FSOH even though I knew it wasn't on those channels. It was only when I went to the guide and searched 'mlb baseball' that I remembered FS1 exists. And this is coming from a guy who watched a season worth of college bball on the channel.

I understand it will take time and that nothing worth building happens overnight. I also understand that if we wait 35 years for the network to become competitive it will not be good for the big east.

I've said all along that partnering with FS1 is a high risk/high reward proposition. If it succeeds in competing with ESPN we're positioned to be the prime basketball league on a major sports network. If it doesn't, well then we're just another league competing on some second rate sports channel no one watches.

The key for me is how long it takes for FS1 to get a foothold. Are we talking a few years? 5 years? 10 Years? IMHO when the league signed on with FS1 it started the clock on a 2-4 year grace period window for the station to get it's shit together before then hooneymoon period wears off. We're about to start year two of that window.

If you get 2, 3, 4 years into this and no one outside the fans of teams who are playing watch that's a problem.

[Masterofreality]

If you get 2, 3, 4 years into this and no one outside the fans of teams who are playing watch that's a problem.

I'll just say that being on a National Network that is showing high profile events like the MLB playoffs is a damn site better than having your games on a Regional Fox Sports channel and CBSSC which is barely findable. And yeah, I know that some of those games have been farmed out to CBSSC, but it's mostly Fox.

College Basketballl, hell even college football, has a very diverse audience based upon what school or conference you follow. While there are high profile football games in the PAC 12, I'm just not that interested. The rubber meets the road when your team/conference breaks into the high rankings on a consistent basis to make the casual fan, no pun intended, want to cut through the clutter to watch. So, I submit that it is more incumbent upon the individual programs to be exceptional. The old Big East didn't get to be the icon it was on ESPN overnight..or in 1 or 2 years. Our league needs to get to Final 4's and National Championships to cut through the clutter.

I'm convinced that FS1 is the right vehicle. The drivers have to be talented enough to make it win.

[xubrew]

To your 2nd article, NBC Sports Network also had the advantage of the Winter Olympics and Stanley Cup playoffs to give themselves a ratings boost. Hopefully FS1 will be able to get a similar boost as the MLB playoffs continue.

NBC did something else that was smart. They marketed NBCSN on the flagship network. ESPN did this as well. So did CBS, even though CBSSN is not as widely distributed as FS1 is.


Well, people are still trying to find the damn network. As we've said all along, it's a building process and the only way to build it is to put high profile events on there where people in different places are forced to find where it is and then, at least, check for what may be on it on a random winter night.

Of course, NFL football would immediately draw a huge audience, and who knows if Fox may not throw an NFL game on there at some point just for exposure.

ESPN has built their brand over 35 years. We're barely a year into FS1. Patience is required although in today's instant gratification society, many don't have much of it.

Yes, another way to build it would be to, say, I don't know......PROMOTE THE NETWORK ON THE FLAGSHIP NETWORK!!! (Not shouting at you. I'm shouting at Fox).

They don't. During NFL games that are on Fox, they don't even mention that FS1 exists, and they should. Same with high profile college football and basketball games that air on Fox.

If they were to move one Big East game each week to Fox as sort of a game of the week (sort of like what the SEC does with CBS), and then market all of the other games that are on FS1 during the game of the week, I think you'd see a significant overall spike in viewership.

It's their own network. It's a good network with a lot of good games. It's just a damn shame they don't make it more of a point to tell people about how good their product is.

[OH.X.MI]

Not sure this marketing campaign is gonna work for Fox Sports 1. But Katie Nolan sure is one attractive lady.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUjLO_3o8CE

[fellahmuskie]

We'll see how the Pete Rose hiring works out (he makes his debut on Monday), but MLB ratings are up 20-30% on FS1 so far this season.

I'm most excited that FS1 has rights to almost all the big soccer commodities - Champions League, World Cup, MLS, Women's World Cup, Bundesliga...they just added the Copa America too. Soccer is the future and this will pay off huge in 5-10 years. They drew over 800,000 for the recent USA - Mexico friendly.

Hopefully Fox can get in on some Big Ten action. Either way, the network is headed in the right direction and looks very committed to challenging ESPN.

[ammtd34]

We'll see how the Pete Rose hiring works out (he makes his debut on Monday), but MLB ratings are up 20-30% on FS1 so far this season.

I'm most excited that FS1 has rights to almost all the big soccer commodities - Champions League, World Cup, MLS, Women's World Cup, Bundesliga...they just added the Copa America too. Soccer is the future and this will pay off huge in 5-10 years. They drew over 800,000 for the recent USA - Mexico friendly.

Hopefully Fox can get in on some Big Ten action. Either way, the network is headed in the right direction and looks very committed to challenging ESPN.

I think the Bundesliga will be big for them. To me, it's the second most interesting league in Europe and probaby has the second most interest in the US (maybe La Liga). I love being able to hear Gary Neville for Champions League matches, too. Great insight.