FOX pumping fake crowd noise into their broadcasts during sporting events without fans is very possible.
In fact, lead play-by-play announcer Joe Buck---who was interviewed with Sirius XM’s Andy Cohen---said it is "pretty much a done deal."
"It’s pretty much a done deal," said Buck. "I think whoever’s gonna be at that control is going to have to be very good at their job and be realistic with how a crowd would react depending on what just happened on the field. It’s really important. Then on top of that, they're looking at ways to put virtual fans in the stands."
Angelo Cataldi reacted to Buck's comments on today's 94WIP Morning Show, calling virtual fans and fake noise "dishonest."
"I want a record of this (COVID-19 period in sports)," Cataldi said. "I want to be able to show this to other generations and say, 'This is what were dealing with.' We had sports and nobody was there."
Rhea Hughes says she likes the idea.
"To me, it's all about energy," Hughes said. "To me, I need that energy. I feed off of it. You need to have something. To me, it would just be way too tepid."
Buck explained his comments on Twitter after a lot of polarizing opinions and reaction surfaced.
There is no “traditional” take on this topic. It’s new territory. Hoping stadiums are full and all is normal. If not, then it’s a blank canvas. All networks will try to make it look and sound as normal as possible. It could lead to unprecedented, thrilling access. Who knows?
— Joe Buck (@Buck)
May 14, 2020 But Crowd reactions are an enormous piece of the TV puzzle. All reactions by a crowd are valuable and to be used - as far as I know. I use it as much as I can and still keep my job. Big moments like the Minn. Miracle are MADE on tv because of the crowd noise.
— Joe Buck (@Buck)
May 14, 2020 It doesn’t have to be over the top. But something has to be there. Contrary to the misleading headline at SI and other places - I said FOX is WORKING on virtual fans. They are working everyday on ANYTHING to make our shows the best on TV. That’s exciting to me, and I am thankful
— Joe Buck (@Buck)
May 14, 2020 Some ideas will work and some won’t. That’s the nature of WORKING on something. It’s uncharted water. It could be a very exciting time in network TV coverage. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Praying for a SAFE return to a stadium near you for all involved.
— Joe Buck (@Buck)
May 14, 2020 Recently, in an interview with Peter King, Dr. Fauci said, "I think it's feasible that negative-testing players could play to an empty stadium. Is it guaranteed? No way."
