Seems like it was a day of audio issues for the major sports networks.
While FS1 was dealing with audio glitches and missing announcers during the Mets-Dodgers game, ESPN had an audio glitch of their own to start Saturday’s NBA Playoffs game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.
Just after the ball was tipped, it appeared that ESPN’s commentary feed cut out. Audiences were left to enjoy the dulcet tones of the basketball game unfolding in front of them without any discussion from ESPN broadcasters Beth Mowins and Stephanie White.
Right after the ball tipped off, the ESPN audio commentary feed cut out, leaving viewers with just a live broadcast of the game’s opening moments and the Cleveland crowd.
The technical difficulties continued for about two minutes. At the 10:10 mark on the first quarter clock, Mowins finally returned.
The ESPN broadcaster audio went out for nearly two minutes to begin the NBA Playoffs (Magic-Cavs Game 1).
“Just underway here in Cleveland, and we apologize for some technical difficulties we’re having.” – Beth Mowins after her audio returns 🏀📺🎙️ pic.twitter.com/v1qSOrNMA4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 20, 2024
After the Magic missed a three-pointer, Mowins returned mid-sentence, saying “grabs the rebound,” before providing a quick update to the audience.
“Just underway here in Cleveland, and we apologize for some technical difficulties we’re having.”
It doesn’t appear that there were any audio issues during the broadcast after that. If anything, it made for a cool experience to watch the opening moments of the game with the sounds of the crowd, but ultimately it was good to have Mowins and White back and able to add some context to the action.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.