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Fox considering virtual fans for closed venue broadcasts
Getty ImagesUS media company Fox is considering using technology to include virtual fans in its sports broadcasts from empty stadia, it has been revealed. According to the New York Post, ESPN, NBC, CBS and Turner Sports are all experimenting with the idea of using virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance the at-home viewing experience. Premier League clubs consider fake crowd noise for closed matchesWith sports events only likely to resume behind closed doors due the coronavirus pandemic, the idea is reportedly in the early stages of being developed and it has received mixed opinions from decision makers. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, Fox broadcaster Joe Buck said: “They’re looking at ways to put virtual fans in the stands so when you see a wide shot it looks the stadium is jam-packed and in fact it’ll be empty. ”The revelation is the latest technological innovation floated as sports broadcasters and rights holders seek to adapt production amid the Covid-19 crisis. Several major sports properties, including European soccer’s Premier League and the Bundesliga, have discussed using fake crowd noise to enhance broadcasts.
