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Do NFL Fans Really Want to Read Tweets During Game Broadcasts?

By
August 31, 2011
  • The New York Giants claim to be the first NFL team to introduce live, realtime Twitter updates into broadcast TV coverage.
  • The team will display fans’ tweets during games via video boards and digital displays at Giants stadium, while fans watching at home will see realtime Twitter updates as part of the game’s graphics.
  • The Giants are collaborating with Mass Relevance, the firm that will aggregate and deliver the Twitter posts to the in-stadium displays, TV broadcasts and Giants.com website.
  • I saw this feature this week during NBC’s coverage of the Giants-Jets game. I found it to be an unnecessary distraction that occasionally obstructed my view and I didn’t read a single tweet that added value to my viewing experience. When I first submitted this story, I commented: “Based on my experience during last night’s game, this is my question: Who can I pay to make this go away?”
  • However, I understand why this may become popular. Perhaps the concept would be better served by delivering only to those fans actively seeking social interaction.

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4 Comments

  1. David Wertheimer August 30, 2011 at 08:11pm

    I agree with Rob. This could be great as a 2nd screen experience, but when it’s like closed captions that I can’t get off my set, it totally misses the mark.

  2. Rob Scott August 31, 2011 at 02:51am

    A second screen experience for those seeking social interaction is a great idea, David. In the meanwhile, they may want to come up with a better location on the TV screen for tweets — rather than above the score graphic in a position that blocks our view of the action on the field.

  3. David Wertheimer August 30, 2011 at 08:11pm

    I agree with Rob. This could be great as a 2nd screen experience, but when it’s like closed captions that I can’t get off my set, it totally misses the mark.

  4. Rob Scott August 31, 2011 at 02:51am

    A second screen experience for those seeking social interaction is a great idea, David. In the meanwhile, they may want to come up with a better location on the TV screen for tweets — rather than above the score graphic in a position that blocks our view of the action on the field.

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