Chicago Bulls fans, your voices were heard loud and clear — Chicago Sports Network has changed its scorebug after only one game.
The new network aired the Bulls preseason opener Tuesday, and unveiled a new scorebug, which immediately received overwhelmingly bad reviews. The graphic, which resembled a banner hanging down in the upper-left corner of the screen, earned comments on X such as “easily the worst ever” and “this set sports broadcasts back 30 years.”
The Bulls’ new broadcast partner, Chicago Sports Network, debuted their scorebug tonight. Not only does it look like a random banner hanging from the TV rafters, it covers players in the top left corner of the screen. pic.twitter.com/w7EzOyRmHB
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 9, 2024
The network apparently got the message, because it unveiled a new scorebug, with a more traditional placement, for the Bulls’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday.
they changed it already. wow. https://t.co/ofRcpWlHeo pic.twitter.com/3wYXxtTV4j
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 13, 2024
Talk about a broadcaster taking immediate action. It doesn’t hurt that Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is part owner of Chicago Sports Network, along with Standard Media and Chicago Blackhawks parent company the Wirz Corp. The new network, which launched Oct. 1, will carry Bulls, White Sox and Blackhawks games.
Scorebugs are a funny thing when it comes to viewers. Some fans don’t notice them, while others are connoisseurs, and are quick to complain about even a minor detail.
The Chicago Sports Network’s initial Bulls bug wasn’t terrible in its appearance, but the placement was horrendous. As one fan noted, “There’s a reason no other broadcast has ever put it there.”
[Rob Perez]