Give Apple TV credit for having great self-awareness in knowing that its MLB broadcasts stink.
Apple TV is admitting to its own GOB Bluth huge mistake when it comes to its MLB broadcasts.
The world is becoming increasingly digital, so streaming will be here to stay. It is great in a lot of instances, but live sports are a bit of a divisive issue in that regard. While football fans, soccer as well, have no issues with their weekly games being nationally televised, fans like listening to their home team’s telecast when it comes to MLB, the NBA and the NHL. I slap with Bally Sports, dude!
In general, I think national baseball broadcasts suck almost as bad as the Home Run Derby. I don’t want to hear casuals talk about my team when they don’t know my team. I would rather try to find out if Brandon Gaudin isn’t a serial killer and Jeff Francoeur be the lovable doofus he is than be subjected to nationally-televised, suit-wearing corporate schlock. Give the dude what he wants!
Thankfully, Apple TV+ gave us the option to switch over to the local radio audio of the game now.
I am not buying Apple TV+ out of principle, but do appreciate Tim Cook and the company extending the olive branch. They are taking having exclusive media rights in sports very seriously. Good for them!
Apple TV has become self-aware and knows that its MLB broadcast are terrible
As with most things, it’s not about being right, it’s about getting it right. This is a bold move put forth by Apple, something most companies don’t have the stones to do. I think over time this will give them a huge competitive advantage. Not to say I will ever buy Apple TV+, but the fact I can listen to the Braves broadcast over on 680 The Fan is certainly an effort that I greatly appreciate.
For as much pushback as I and everyone have given commissioner Rob Manfred over the years, I do respect the fact he and his associates are trying to be constantly innovative. Baseball is more entrenched in tradition than just about anything associated with the United States of America. Old habits die hard. Good luck telling Grandma she can’t watch her Milwaukee Brewers on cable now.
But the reason I think this is a fantastic move by Apple is it creates a larger importance of radio. A lot of people in this great country of ours grew up listening to games over the airwaves during the summer. It is an outdated technology, but we do find comfort in it. Why do you think people still listen to vinyl, read books and like holding the physical copy of a CD? I think this could work out.
The is a solid compromise to allow for a national audience to build, while still trying to stay local.