Event Date: February 7th, 1983
Event Description: ABC Plans Grid Broadcasts
Source: United Press International
ABC-TV plans a few innovations in telecasting United States Football League games starting March 6 but instant replays to help game officials rule on close decisions probably won't be one of them.
“We were asked to consider that,” said Jim Spence, vice president of ABC Sports. “The reaction is probably negative. We're not sure we should be involved in the game that extent.”
It is planned, however, to arrange to talk to players during certain time out periods and to 'wire' the head coaches with microphones. Remarks by coaches on play-calling and general strategy would be shown on tape after-the-fact so as not to tip off representatives of the opposing team.
The network, with a 2-year-commitment to USFL telecasts, will show 18 regular season games this year, two games in the playoffs July 9-10 and the championship game July 17. The title game will be aired in prime time starting at 8 p.m. EDT. On Friday, June 17, second day of the U.S. Open Golf championship, a USFL game will be presented at 9 p.m. EDT.
Keith Jackson, former Pittsburgh Steelers star Lynn Swann and Tim Brant form the broadcasting team. At least four regional telecasts are planned, Spence said, and a second broadcasting team is being formed.
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