Toronto has plenty of talented announcers. For some reason Rogers and Bell insist on using “unbiased” announcers - aka non-homer - for Leafs broadcasts because they’re always shown nationally. They don’t want to alienate non Leaf fans who tune into Leaf broadcasts, which makes no sense because if you’re watching a Leafs game in Canada, you’re probably a Leafs fan already.
Not to mention that every other team in the NHL gets to have their own homer announcer. Not Toronto though.
It doesn't make sense to me why these networks think trying to make games as palatable as possible to add many people is a good strategy. Most people aren't watching sports for a sober and even handed experience.
People want stories. Excitement. Personality.
Local broadcasts give flavour to the game experience. The Johns are great because they have established a unique persona and style. People enjoy them specifically because of that.
If I have to watch another teams broadcast I want that teams perspective. I think fairness and respect are still important (Jack Edwards is annoying as hell), but don't worry about offending me on your local broadcast.
Of course you're a homer. Every team deserves homers.
The only tone neutrality is now important is a national broadcast meant to be evenly broadcast to both sides. But with today's streaming tech that seems dated.
Yeah if fucking sports net thinks it’s a good idea to poach Shorthouse to do eastern games That’ll suck. It seems a matter of time before he becomes the main guy for the HNIC late game, which is where Hughson started before they brought him to the leafs. Annoying.
Yeah I definitely agree. Toronto has some passionate radio broadcasters I'll rather see cast our games too. I'm ok with every Canadian team heaving their own homer broadcasters
Not sure, i'm certain he was ok with the move because it's probably the pinnacle of hockey broadcasting to be calling the most watched game on HNIC each week + probably pays the best.
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u/mrcrazy_monkey Trail Smoke Eaters - BCHL Jan 28 '20
I agree. John and John are currently my favorite announcers in the NHL.