Last fall, ESPN relaunched The Sports Reporters, which had last aired on their network in 2017. The new version of the show is notably different from its predecessor, featuring a shift to often airing on YouTube, a varied panel of commentators, and the inclusion of remote panelists. This use of remote panelists has sparked debate among viewers; critics argue that it departs from the traditional in-studio format, resulting in reduced chemistry, while supporters value the diversity of panelists that this arrangement allows, as detailed in this article.
In a recent interview on the Awful Announcing Podcast with host Brandon Contes, The Sports Reporters host Jeremy Schaap discussed the new show. He candidly addressed the pros and cons of remote panelists, noting, “It’s clearly not the old Sports Reporters, although in format, how much different is it really? Not that much different…it’s just much easier to get people in boxes.” He acknowledged that the show is currently in a phase of experimentation, trying different guest combinations and panel mixes to see how they interact.
Later in the conversation, Schaap admitted that there are technical challenges with all-virtual panels, stating, “Technically, it’s harder. We’re working on it,” emphasizing efforts to reduce delays between panelists for a more natural flow of conversation. He reflected on the ongoing struggle in broadcasting to balance audio, video, and latency, noting that while the technical aspects are important, the content remains paramount for The Sports Reporters.
Schaap reminisced about how, decades ago, perfect video and audio were broadcasting goals, stating, “Here we are all these decades later where those things which you thought would just keep getting better, we actually don’t care as much about…it doesn’t have to be high-def in these kinds of discussions for The Sports Reporters. What really matters…is the content.” He referenced two December episodes where the show successfully balanced virtual and in-studio formats, highlighting the importance of chemistry among panelists and the different dynamics in each setting.
During those episodes, they had a virtual discussion with Ryan McGee, Nicole Auerbach, Josh Pate, and Paul Finebaum, where their familiarity allowed for effective interaction. The following day featured Bill Rhoden, Hannah Storm, and Trey Wingo in-studio, emphasizing the advantages of physical presence, such as body language and eye contact, while acknowledging the limitations of studio availability.
As ESPN explores the mix of in-studio versus virtual formats for The Sports Reporters, Schaap’s insights provide a compelling perspective on their approach to improving the quality of virtual discussions amidst the evolving landscape of broadcasting.
Listen to the full episode of the Awful Announcing Podcast featuring Larry McReynolds beginning Friday, Feb. 14. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. For more content, subscribe to AA’s YouTube page.
