Interesting piece from the ESPN ombudsman

[SAFC Yank]

There isn't a mention of soccer in this, but it is a pretty good discussion of how "scripted" items are interfering with covering the game actualy occurring on screen.

Fairly revealing, at least for someone like me not involved in the industry, and it doesn't take much immagination to sort out the impact on soccer coverage.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=schreiber_leanne&id=2930377

[GutBomb]

that was a great read. I agree somewhat that announcers pretty much do need to tone down some things A BIT. some examples that come to mind, Toja's hair comments, famous freds, spending too much time interviewing the coaches, but I feel that either DoB/Wynalda/Smyth or Stoner/Wynalda/Smyth is very good. I love the banter. The only things I would say need improvement are DoB on goal calls (he usually calls them after the fact, rather than before or during, and usually just matter of factly) and the obviously prepared stuff like Famous Freds.

The cutaway to the studio for the split screen sportscenter update has to go though.

This year ESPN2 has produced the best american soccer coverage I have ever seen.