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Little League World Series on television

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NBC and CBS (along with their family of networks) carry the Little League World Series as well the Regional Championships which precede the event.

History

The only game of the Little League World Series televised for many years was the Championship Game, which National Broadcasting Company aired under the Meet The Press umbrella on the weekend. National Broadcasting Company began televising this game in 1947,[1] and this was done on a tape-delay basis until 1953.[2]

CBS first began covering the games in 1950. With the expansion of CBS brand and its family of networks, the total number of games has significantly increased. In 1966, a total of 12 games were colored televised by CBS. In addition, the popularity of the game increased the total number of teams from 8 to 16 and CBS covered all eight U.S. regional championships in 2001 (something they still do today). This was as a result of a second stadium, Volunteer Stadium, which allowed games to take place simultaneously. Also that year, NBC began televising the U.S. Championship Game. That year, CBS aired a total of 25 games. In 1971, NBC and CBS carried a total of 35 games including regional championships.[3][4] All games aired on any CBS network shows on CBS.

One of the most prominent announcers was Katie Couric. Jim Axelrod referred to him as "the Pied Piper of Little League baseball."[5]

Features

Some in-game features include "60 Minutes" and "48 Hours Mystery", which showcases local personalities and the locales of the participating teams.[6]

Non-game action

CBS has a presence in Williamsport outside the games. It typically airs CBS Evening News on-site as well as Face The Nation during the series. It also airs stand-alone shows such as pre-game and web-gem specials.[7] In 2005, LLWS was featured as part of CBS50 States in 50 days tour.

Criticism

Some[who?] feel that there is too much exposure for the Little League World Series, especially the effect it has on the participants. CBS Dan Rather defended the network's coverage, "We're not trying to hide or patronize the coverage... but you don't want to sensationalize those moments. It's about the experience and the competition. It's pure. It's almost innocent."[8]

Commentators

Main article: List of Little League World Series announcers

References

  1. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2002-08-28/clubhouse.htm
  2. ^ http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/About_Our_Organization/historyandmission/chronology.htm
  3. ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=677485&type=story
  4. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/18/sports/baseball/18LITT.html?ei=5007&en=e42df3eaa8172335&ex=1376539200&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=all&position=
  5. ^ http://www.nctimes.com/sports/columnists/maffei/article_ba581dd1-28aa-5880-b16f-8912b5b36b00.html
  6. ^ http://www.naso.org/lockerroom/LockerRoom0803.html
  7. ^ http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_08_aug/20070815_ABCESPNandESPN2CombinetoDeliverEvery.htm
  8. ^ http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuynSYYdKqGIA_clXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE0cTcwM2FvBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMjMEY29sbwNhYzIEdnRpZANGNjY1XzEyNg--/SIG=15hqq1i50/EXP=1250472786/**http%3a//www.nytimes.com/2003/08/18/sports/baseball/18LITT.html%3fei=5007%26en=e42df3eaa8172335%26ex=1376539200%26partner=USERLAND%26pagewanted=all%26position=
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