A disturbing trend in hockey broadcasting

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Nov 24, 2009 8:15 PM EST

Have you noticed something different about the way that hockey is being shown on TV in the past few years. No, I'm not talking about crystal clear HD or games being carried on that channel way down the dial that shows bull riding and bass fishing. I'm talking about a much more disturbing trend: TV is censoring your hockey games. If you don't believe me, watch next time a scrum breaks out in from the net. The camera will immediately pan away to the crowd or the bench.

Oh sure, they will still show the one on one fights, but not the situation that started the bout. What gives? Are we trying to shield the youth from violence? Do they think advertisers will stop buying time on NHL broadcasts if it is seen as too violent. Let's face it, hockey is a violent sport. Fighting is a part of the game and if the fans can't see the situations that lead up those fights, they are missing a big chunk of the game.

Maybe it has always been this way and I am just noticing it now or maybe the networks really are making a conscious effort to clean up the way the game is presented on television. I don't know the answer to that. All I know is censorship has no place in hockey. I want to see every scuffle, scrum, wash face, and obscene gesture. If it's part of the game, it should be part of the broadcast.

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It has? They usually show the full scrums on Devils games and in the postseason. I still remember an epic face-wash by Scott Walker on a Bruin where it looked like the glove was going to eat a face.

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by John Fischer on Nov 24, 2009 8:19 PM EST reply actions

We don’t speak of that vile man around here.

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by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Nov 24, 2009 8:24 PM EST up reply actions

It goes back and forth, but there is a tendency to “cut away.” Maybe it’s just a NESN thing.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Nov 24, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions

It could be. Doc and Chico are usually praising the “rough stuff.” Odd in this time of discussion about head injuries, but whatever.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Nov 24, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

Jack and Brick do a lot of praising that kind of stuff too – Jack is a maniac and Brick played back in the old days, sooooo

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Nov 24, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions

Censorship or Advertising?

I have noticed that as well and I am not sure that it is the censorship as much as it may be that the networks are in a hurry to break for that all mighty dollar with the commercials.
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by sticktohockeycom on Nov 24, 2009 9:49 PM EST reply actions