It is rarely a good thing when the network makes front page news during a major sporting event, but that was the case in Game 1 of the World Series.
The Fox Sports production truck lost power to both its primary and backup generators during Tuesday’s Mets/Royals Game 1, causing the network to lose its World Series feed for nearly a half-hour. During that time, viewers were treated to a pair of studio cut-ins and MLB International’s feed, missing one at bat and part of another in the process.
Coming nearly three years after a blackout during Super Bowl 47, and in an online era in which live TV mistakes move the needle on Twitter and elsewhere, the outage became headline news. Ultimately, however, it had no lasting significance and is unlikely to be remembered by the end of the series — or even the day. As Joe Buck said on ESPN Radio Wednesday morning, it was a mere “footnote” to the 14-inning night.
FOX also made headlines for waiting to report the death of Royals P Edinson Volquez‘ father, which occurred earlier Tuesday. While ESPN reported the news near the start of the game, FOX waited until after Volquez was done pitching. The network apparently received some social media criticism for failing to address a story of which many were already aware, though it should be noted that social media backlash is a given in any decision any network makes at any time.
At issue was whether Volquez was aware of what had taken place. While the ESPN story said he knew prior to the game, the Royals told reporters he had not been told at the request of the family. As a result, FOX held off to avoid the potential of him finding out through the broadcast, which according to reporter Ken Rosenthal was available in the Royals clubhouse.
(Tue. news from New York Times, Washington Post)
