RTE provides masterclass in sports broadcasting

Posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:31 AM

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Ireland's national television channel RTE's coverage of the World Cup provides a model that American sports broadcasters should emulate. Actually, I'm not even talking about watching the actual games, although RTE does a fair job on that. I'm talking about the pre-game, half-time and post-game analysis and discussion of each World Cup match.

The World Cup draws a massive audience, including many people who don't watch a lot of soccer. Yet unlike what seems too common on American tv, RTE doesn't dumb down the coverage to meet the limited understanding of the game that some of the less devoted soccer fans might want or need.

There's no razzmatazz in RTE's production. A panel of two or three analysts and a director of the conversation sitting around a big table discussing tactics, performances and using nothing more technologically adventurous than instant replay.

The analysts are all unsentimental, intelligent, and opinionated, unafraid to go against the views of the mob or each other. Even their personalities seem like a slap across the face to an American sports fan used to fake smiles and/or "characters" among our analysts.

RTE's panelists range from clinical (Johnny Giles or Ronnie Whelan) to grumpy (Eamonn Dunphy) to dour (Liam Brady or Graeme Souness). For this World Cup RTE has worked in ex-German player Dietmar Hamann who has fit in well.

If you're a serious sports fan who'd like to understand soccer more, RTE's panel offers a university education. However, if you're a long-time knowledgeable fan of the game, you'll find plenty of food for thought. It's exactly what any sports fan wants from the broadcaster during a major sporting event.

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joesentme | Oct 11, 2010, 02:59 PM EDT

The only real game commentary we get here in North America on International or European (soccer) is on Setanta. It is not of the calibre of Giles et al, but still leaves the North American commentary in the shade. I am speaking specifically about half and fulltime commentary. The Giles, Dunphy,and Brady spot is so insightful and intelligent and makes the Americans and Canadians look completely inept.

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WoundedKnee | Jun 17, 2010, 07:29 PM EDT

corbigmac: "and the satirical Apres Match show is always cuttingly excellent". --- If you have a moronic sense of humor. Do you?

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jacersisityourself | Jun 17, 2010, 03:36 PM EDT

"A seriousness that American networks wouldn't allow." - Now there's a brill idea for RTE to make money and reduce our TV licence fee - provide seminars to US sports channels on "How to do it professionally". Well said, Yank.

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TheYank | Jun 17, 2010, 12:09 PM EDT

cormacmac,

I wouldn't denigrate those who don't agree with me because I think you'd have to experience Giles, Dunphy, Brady & Souness to appreciate them. I also think it's possible I haven't quite expressed what bothers me about American sports coverage - especially at big occasions like the Super Bowl or World Series. There's rarely anything said before or after that isn't 100% obvious or ridiculous.

RTE goes about its business with a seriousness that the American networks would never allow.

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cormacmac | Jun 17, 2010, 09:24 AM EDT

Point well made. Souness himself has stated that he prefers to work with RTE than with any of the English networks....and the satirical Apres Match show is always cuttingly excellent. Whoever terms this piece as drivel must not only have a wounded knee but a wounded brain as well.

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WoundedKnee | Jun 17, 2010, 08:02 AM EDT

More drivel from the Yank.

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crny925 | Jun 16, 2010, 01:16 PM EDT

WHAT A JOKE!!!

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manofaran | Jun 16, 2010, 11:55 AM EDT

Lol, good one TheYank

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TheYank | Jun 16, 2010, 11:43 AM EDT

I can imagine you're driven nuts. It's like listening to Ger Canning doing Olympic basketball.

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manofaran | Jun 16, 2010, 11:25 AM EDT

I wish I was there watching the games. The american lads on espn dont even know the language, when it comes to football. The over use of "service" instead of a pass or a cross kills me.

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