Welcome to the Circus

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Dec 4, 2006 12:00 AM EST in Feature Stories

Since MLSE decided that 24 of this season's Raptors' games should be broadcast on RaptorsTV, the complaints have been frequent...

...and yes, in my opinion justified - but not solely for the reason that fans are having to pay to watch.

My reason for disliking the move goes deeper than any increase to my already outrageous cable bill. No, my prime complaint is content based, or better yet, the lack of understanding demonstrated by the producers concerning the demographics and knowledge base of those who actually do pay to watch.

Let me explain.

Let’s take a look at RapsTV.

The supposed rationale for putting Raptors' games on this network is to ensure they can be broadcast nationally. Generally when TSN, Sportsnet (Central) or the Score have broadcasting rights over a particular Raptors game, they are limited, geographically to where the game can be shown. Cities like Halifax, Winnipeg and others are forced to watch local or regional broadcasting (I can attest to how brutal that can be being from the latter) while the fortunate souls in Toronto get their fill of Raptors' ball. When the decision was made to move 24 games exclusively to RaptorsTV one can only assume it was done for two reasons: (I) to grow interest in Canada’s sole NBA franchise coast-to-coast; and (II) profit.

Let’s take a look at each of these rationales.

When looking at reason one you have to start with one basic principle - Hockey reigns in this country. Take Saturday night for example when Franchise and I went looking for a bar to watch the Raps game against the Knicks. Sure we knew that the Leafs and Canadians were on TV, but we figured the Raps game would be on somewhere. Well it was...sort of. Of course we had to ask for the game to be put on a TV, and while the bar did oblige, it should come to no one’s surprise it was a corner TV in the back that was given to us for our viewing pleasure. We knew it would work out that way, and we were not expecting anything different yet I bring this up to reinforce the fact that basketball is a second class citizen in Canadian sport. Fine.

This tells us two things. The first is that basketball faces an uphill battle for "play time" amongst Canadian sports junkies, and two, that since the franchise was born, interest in this team on a local level has not grown enough to cause bar owners to think twice about not putting the "game on" most of the time.

So how I must ask, does making people pay to watch help to sell the game? If you are a sports fan in BC or Alberta why would you pay to watch a sport that you only have moderate or passing interest in? You wouldn't.

As a result the "grow the game" idea is inherently flawed. I am not putting the blame solely on MLSE here, because there are an enormous amount of broadcasting rules and regulations that determine what can be broadcast in certain regions and until TSN and other networks are allowed to broadcast games nationally, then RapsTV is the only real alternative. Therfore, as long as this is the case and RapsTV is a pay service, then interest in the dinos and the NBA will remain a distant second to any hockey team. Should this be true, one can argue that the RaptorsTV is not intended to grow interest in the game, but rather to turn a healthy profit.

Everyone has heard that MLSE is more interested in making money than putting a championship team on the ice/court. True? Well I will let you decide, but as I mentioned at the start I don’t mind paying for the games and adding to MLSE's coffers...sort of. I, amongst many others, pay for RapsTV to follow the Raptors and get better NBA coverage as a whole. In theory, the channel was meant for the more hardcore basketball fan, the fan who wants more stats, more details, and more information on the intricacies of the NBA game. Fans want the inside scoop on the team and the NBA in general they want knowledgeable people providing knowledgeable insight. Well here is where RapsTV gets it all wrong and why I am debating cutting the cord on my subscription despite the requests to "visit www.raptors.com" or "call the appropriate number to provide feedback."

The 2006-07 season has brought about many changes to how Raptors' games are broadcast. There is the new Centre Court HQ (no there is no affiliation), Norma Wick has gone from courtside reporter and token "ask Jim Todd a question" woman to the centre of the broadcast team, and there seems to be a steady flow of new guests on during a broadcast. Of course not everything has changed. Chuck is still the sole play-by-play voice of the Raps, and Leo and Jack continue to provide the colour.

On a whole all of these changes, or lack thereof, have been total disappointments. When it comes to the Centre Court team of Norma, Paul Johnson and Sherman Hamilton, their ability to provide anything close to detail or in-depth analysis is laughable at best. But of course laughing is one thing these guys do best. Over the course of the season the amount of professionalism displayed by each has progressively gone downhill. Inside jokes, random nonsensical comments and just poor understanding of the game has made this trio virtually unwatchable. Whether it’s putting on headbands, talking about how Kevin Duckworth is 600 pounds, or trying to breakdown the game in BASIC terms, their "value added" amounts to well...nothing. As a result I end of asking myself time and time again why I pay for this? This is exactly the type of broadcasting I had hoped to avoid by paying for my basketball coverage. Paul Johnson would be a better MC at a wedding then playing host to the pre and post game discussions, Norma is now clearly outside her niche and Hamilton, whose role one can only guess is to be the analyst, provides little more than basic basketball talk. It in fact has become so bad that Brian Heaney and Rod Black on the TSN broadcasts are more enjoyable!! At least Heaney can get in front of a teleprompter and breakdown the game in a way where we the fans, and the audience in general, can understand in greater detail what is transpiring on the court and discuss some of the more interesting play-calls used by coaches. The scary part is Heaney does the TSN broadcasts...the same network that lives and dies by hockey, curling and WWE!! How is it that the basketball network cannot find someone at least equal to, if not better than this guy?

If the people who are paying for this product are the knowledgeable basketball fans you can’t tell me that having this gang on display time and time again is what they want! I am damn sure that this is not what I want and all I want is what I'm currently paying for!

So if the rationale is not to grow the game, and the network is having true basketball fans debate the value of the network, hence risking profitability, then what is left?

To be fair however, the Centre Court team is only one ring in this broadcast circus. The ring leader is of course the Swirsk.

The problem with Chuck Swirsky is simple. It’s not his passion for the game or bias towards the Raps, nor is it his actual broadcasting skill that's at fault but the fact that he tries to be the entertainment rather than discussing the entertainment. The "salami and cheese," "the ring it ups," "the sick, wicked and nasties," and incessant use of nicknames is all too much. Just once I would like to hear Chuck say something as simple as "Bargnani with the three," rather than "Il Mago with the (insert Italian term of some sort.)" It is all overkill at this point and this overkill is not allowing new fans to learn to appreciate the game itself. It is the game that is supposed to be entertaining and frankly Swirksy is taking away from that rather than adding to it.

The perfect example of this is the three-point streak. No-one really cares. Watching the Mavs game, in which Toronto extended their streak at the buzzer, my interest as a fan was not whether the team hit a three, but how or better yet why they lost the game. I would suggest the team's overall play is more important then whether Darrick Martin hit a long three to keep the streak alive. Yet for some reason it was the latter that was the focus of the in-game and post-game broadcast rather than the former! Of course knowing Swirsky is an employee of the Raptors and MLSE means that it should not be surprising that he focus on the positive rather than the negative, but Chuck could not let go of the extention of this record even though the team had just been throttled by the Dirk-less Mavericks.

If I have said it once I have said it one-hundred times. We could have the worst starting five in the league, be maxed-out cap-wise, and owe our next three first round picks to the Knicks, and he would still tell the fans that the team is headed in the right direction. No wonder some people have a hard time getting into this team after years of losing! It’s like the boy who cried wolf and now many fans have tuned him out. The reality is there is a true lack of credibility.

Now let me end this tirade on a more positive note. Not all of the broadcast media butcher this team or the game experience. Eric Smith and Paul Jones have a solid radio gig and they discuss interesting topics. When they add Jack you actually feel like there is something to be gained by listening in, or watching on Hoops. In fact Jack, and to a lesser degree Leo (also a serious culprit of letting inside jokes overshadow his commentary i.e. Chuck’s lack of hair) are the saving graces. Jack adds value - Point blank. He knows when a joke or an off-the-cuff comment is acceptable and he is willing to take subtle shots at Chuck when his play-by-play becomes unbelievably biased, or just too much (his response to Chuck attempting to send Bargnani to Springfield already is a perfect example.)

At the end of the day I don’t expect anything to change given the landscape of Raptors broadcasting. Until the MLSE and RapsTV realize that the people who watch don’t need things dumbed down, and there is an emphasis on the game itself, then nothing will change.

And even if things do change, yes, Franchise and I will still end up watching the games in the corner of a bar on the little TV. I guess it's our hope that the din of the Swirsk Circus will be droned out by the Leaf fans watching their team...on the big screen of course.

HOWLAND

Tweet Comment 49 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Wow....excellent excellent rant! It's like you read my mind, and put my thoughts and feelings about RapsTV into a perfect storm of cohesive facts! Brilliant. I think I've said it before but this is the best Raptors site out there...by a long way.

I'm glad that
1. You singled out Eric Smith and Paul Jones for praise, I think they are informative and knowlegeable. In fact just last week I had to listen to a game on the fan and to honest it was totally refreshing (and I am a Raps TV subscriber...mental!!)
2. You mentioned that Jack, and indeed Leo certainly do add value - and I love it when they call Swirsky out. I'll never forget when Chuck got the "salami and cheese" out at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Lakers before Kobe went on to humiliate the franchise, and it's great that Leo reminds him from time to time.
3. Absolutley everything was spot on, not over the top, overly cynical, or potentially hurtful, as I read the post I was nodding my head in agreement and even laughing that thankfully I am not the only one that experiences these rollercoasters of emotions - not created by the team, but by the actual broadcast team, there's something wrong when that's the case!!

by Scott F on Dec 4, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I must say Howland, your commentary is well thought-out and genuinely insightful. To me it seems patently absurd that the Raptors broadcasts continue to be dumbed-down based on the assumption that the people of Toronto still do not understand basketball.

If Toronto sports fans don't get it yet, they never will! Does this mean that those of us who do understand basketball should be treated like children forever? Were the Blue Jays broadcasters treating baseball fans as if they didn't understand baseball more than a decade after Toronto received the franchise? I remember Jays games from the 80's and it was clearly not the case.

Raptors TV has been given the opportunity to develop itself into a solid product. Whether it will ever realise this potential is up to the people at MLSE who will need to make much smarter marketing, programming and personnel decisions. Until this happens, RapsTV will continue to be a channel that only the Raptors diehard fans will be reluctantly obliged to purchase.

by Acie Earl Ruled on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Hey guys, enjoy your posts immensely. Keeps me in touch with the Raps even though I'm living overseas. This is a long shot, but any of you guys have any idea how I can view some Raps games while living in the UK. Any internet-tv options i don't know about? I've tried nba.com and apparently they're not as onboard the whole Euro agenda as much as David Stern claims to be. Any help much appreciated.

Cheers, and go Raps.

by Brant on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I agree witheverything except for Smith and Jones (especially Eric who sometimes is a know it all). I get HD and really missed the HD broadcasts on Sportsnet. I hope we'll get more games on TSN and Sportsnet next season.

by Tfan on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

eric smith and paul jones are the smartest guys of the bunch, hands down. I seriously don't mind listening to those guys call a game at all. and the swirsk is definitely a bit much, but I think he only highlights the real problem - which is what your post here clarified real nice: and that is that most of the coverage (,if not all of it,) plays to the lowest common denominator fan. instead of having an intelligent and more informed analysis of the raps, the game they just played, an upcoming game, or just the game itself in general, (all of which would appeal to a more knowledgeable fan and perhaps require the newer ones to apply themselves a bit to understand what's going on,) what they do is keep everything watered down and let it all play out like a rockette's concert down at the hummingbird. 'holy jumpin' jehovah!! did you see how high she kicked that leg up!! get out the lagnana, this show is over folks!' or something like that anyway. the thing is, that would be fine if it was supplemented with a little bit more of the other stuff. the meat and potatoes of the game.
it's funny, because the biggest argument I keep hearing about why pretty much everybody I've talked to who doesn't like basketball, is that it's just a bunch of guys running around doing nothing. there's no strategy, no plays, no specialists, nothing. just a bunch of guys running around doing nothing.

well, I think MLSE and their team is doing more to propogate that ignorance than anything else with the clowns they have running the show.

awesome post. somebody should email it to colangelo. hell, maybe I will.

by papa on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Did Norma used to be Norm? Really, could we have a more homely looking, less fashionable female broadcaster???? Had to ask...maybe someone knows something we dont.

Anyways, I agree that knowledge on the boradcasting team is searoulsy lacking. Sherm has the skills, as did Leo, but they are just not TV personalities...remember Jalen in the playoffs last year??? Their supporting team doesn't have the first clue of how to talk basketball so I have learned not to expect much.

Speaking about being a hockey country and basketball knowledge, how about our "Fans"? Every game you see some leaving with 1:30 to go and the raps up 5 - rather than confidence in the raps deep down inside their hockey minds they are probably thinking "there is no way Boston can score 5 goals in 1:30, lets beat the rush!"

Peace

by Chucky on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I dunno what it is, but I'll take Smith & Jones over any of the TV combos any day of the week.

I'm just getting my cable set up here, and was thinking of going digital just to get RaptorsTV. That'd be the only channel I wanted on it. Thanks for the rant Howland, I think you just saved me a few bucks! :)

by Shep on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Typical that a sports fan would reduce the value of the only female broadcaster to her appearance.

I can't say I disagree with your take on the lack of decent analysis. I'm no basketball scientist, but I would appreciate a little more insight from someone who is. I KNOW the Raps need to reboudn and play defence - but HOW should they do it?

But c'mon - don't bash the Swirsk. Chuck and Leo are the metric version of Walton and Steve Snapper Jones. If anything, Leo should offer a little but more of a critical eye.

The Swirsk is harmless and endearing - I love 'ring it up' and 'salami and cheese.' His enthusiasm is genuine, which is someone many commentators lack. Why would we come down hard on Chuck's quips while elevating some nonsensical sting of syllables like "Holy Mackinaw" to legendary status? I caught one of the preseason games where the audio came from the Boston crew. They did exactly what you want - "Bosh with a basket. Celtics with a basket." - and it was like listening to paint dry.

re: Raptors TV - of course they're just out for a profit. If they make more money through RapsTV then by contracting those 24 games out, things will stay this way and RapsTV will probably take even more games. If they make less money, things will return to the way they were.

by dave on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Great article and I agree with everything except the praise for Paul Jones and Eric Smith.

I've been listening to the Fan since it was much higher on the AM dial and these two are nothing to get excited about. Eric Smith is wrong almost 99% of the time when he evaluates the team or players in the league. As for Jonesy, he has a horrible voice (important for Radio) and the personality of a cardboard box. It was a couple of years ago that I challenged both of them on live-air to become more knowledgeable about the salary cap - the same time both of them were spewing out VC trade rumours. I would personally challenge both of them to a debate about basketball anyday!

On a side note, what we fans desire is to sometimes criticize the team and truly question the decisions by coaches and management. But MLSE, and to a greater extent the NBA, put a strangle hold on the content/marketing/commentary. You really need to be a sufficiently sized sports conglomerate like ESPN before you can have such independent opinions.

by Hen on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Dave - Sorry you see it that way, but if it makes things any better I dont think she is a great broadcaster either!

by Chucky on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I always thought they should throw cabbie into the swirsk/rautins/armstrong crew. I don't mind those guys myself, but I agree the pre/halftime/post game shows are unwatchable

by axl on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Unfortunately, dumbed down broadcasting is the nature of the beast; The "lowest common denomanator" if you will. MSLE knows that intelligent, interested fans will watch regardless of the commentary even if it does insult their intelligence. I'm not saying anyone who is into Swirsk's gimmicks is not intelligent, it just may be more entertaining to the coveted 'casual fan'.

This seems to be prevelent in all of sports now. Take a look at Monday Night Football with Theisman, Tirico, and Kornheiser...you can't even get rid of these guys buy turning the sound cuz they cut to the booth as much as they show the freaking game.

The Bottom line is Sports Tevlevision Media in tne 21st century sucks ass and it doesnt seem like it will get better.

by Wuz on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Where have you guys been living for the past twenty years, under a rock? The vast majority of sports pregame/postgame/halftime shows I've ever seen were absolute travesties... this is by no means a new phenomenon. The forced laughter and banter, inside jokes and shallow analysis have been the hallmarks of these kinds of shows for a long time now... and that's why I never watch them. If you don't like Norma Wick, here's a suggestion: turn to the game at the tipoff time!

Furthermore, I have to say that I couldn't disagree more about Chuck. I would go so far as to say Chuck and Leo/Jack are two of the better NBA announcing teams I've heard. They have good enough chemistry, Chuck keeps it entertaining and does a pretty good job of describing what's going on.

Yeah, you're not going to get the most insightful analysis catered to hardcore fans on Raps broadcasts. Who cares? That's what blogs and message boards are for. People who understand basketball will see the keys of the game for themselves, and people who don't will probably not care.

On a related note, great article by Bill Simmons on the current state of announcing. It's about NFL announcing, but he brings up some good points:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/061201

by jordan on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Great commentary Howland. This needed to be said, and I give you props for being the first. I have the Raptors TV "HD" channel and I completely agree that the pre and post-game shows are terrible. Like you said, they just laugh, make inside jokes and make NO in depth analysis of the game. Watching them, they just "feel" unprofessional.

I have to say, though, that I like Leo. I've learned a LOT about basketball from his analysis. I'm not kidding. Sure, sometimes he gets carried away working with Swirsk, but who wouldn't.

The problem with Chuck, in my opinion, is not so much the 'salami and cheese' and other jovial comments, but its the lack of credibility you talked about. For him the team is "always" heading in the right direction, and people he talks with are always telling him they like "this kid" (Bargnani) and that they like the new Raptors. You'll never hear constructive criticism, or for that matter ANY criticism of the Raps., ever.

Also, listening to post-game show on the Fan590 I heard one guy call in and say that people on Raptors TV (i.e. Norma, Sherman, Jones) are TOO close to the Raptors to offer an objective opinion of the team. I think that true and that the fans suffer because of it.

Finally, what is up with the "HD" on raptors TV. I don't think I've seen ANY games on raptors TV that were broadcast in true HD. The only HD games I've seen, have been on TSNHD. That's shameful!. Why do they call it the HD channel anyways?? In my opinion, EVERY game and even the pre game and post game show should be in HD. Isn't the channel called Raptors TV HD and aren't I paying extra for it?

by Benjo on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Jordan,

"Where have you guys been living for the past twenty years, under a rock? The vast majority of sports pregame/postgame/halftime shows I've ever seen were absolute travesties... this is by no means a new phenomenon. The forced laughter and banter, inside jokes and shallow analysis have been the hallmarks of these kinds of shows for a long time now... and that's why I never watch them. If you don't like Norma Wick, here's a suggestion: turn to the game at the tipoff time!"

- Here's the biggest difference between now and the past twenty years. I PAY MORE for better, more extensive coverage. You are also missing the point in that this is doing nothing in terms of selling the game. Inside jokes as the hallmark? The big difference here is the DEGREE of professionalism. The occassional joke is necessary, but it should not be the HALLMARK.

- Agree that Chuck does a good job of explaining what is going on. Again you are missing the point. He has taken it too far, from explaining the entertainment to being the entertainment. The second point is the credibility issue.

"Yeah, you're not going to get the most insightful analysis catered to hardcore fans on Raps broadcasts. Who cares? That's what blogs and message boards are for. People who understand basketball will see the keys of the game for themselves, and people who don't will probably not care."

- Again the hardcore fans are the one's who pay for RapsTV. So they SHOULD care. And as I mentioned the casual likely does not subscribe.

Dude, I think you missed the point.

Benjo: Couldn't agree more about the HD. RaptorsHD is easily the lowest quality, in particular during the actual games. I'm no tech guy but you would think this is fixable (at a price of course).

by Howland on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I always thought they should throw cabbie into the swirsk/rautins/armstrong crew. I don't mind those guys myself, but I agree the pre/halftime/post game shows are unwatchable

by axl on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

For as long as I've wanted to listen to a game on the Fan to hear the quality of their broadcasts, I haven't been able to (I don't own a radio). There are times when I seriously want to put the TV on mute and just listen to the radio commentary because I know it can't be as bad as Chuck and Leo/Jack (hate all 3 of them). One thing I found interesting tho is before the Boston game, there was another analyst on Centre Court HQ who was coach of the Canadian National Women's team I think and his analysis of the game vs. Dallas was actually pretty good (He was demonstrating how Dallas took advantage of the Raps zone defence). It was the lone bright spot on a terrible broadcast

by Blaxx on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Boy - you were right when you said you had "something" you were working on about the broadcasters. I agree 100% with your rant.

Anyone else notice that Norma never asks a question to players. She ALWAYS says " talk about [insert something her]" .. the players always look at her funny before starting to respond.

The Raptors Game Day trio are the worst threesome since ... well ... Threesome!

Anthony Parker should be broadcasting these games. I've seen him do a few post game interviews and he's solid and well spoken. Maybe in a few years.

by utes on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I watch ALL games on Raptors TV on MUTE......i would rather be deaf than have to listen to anyone on that station talk. Ok fine, maybe deaf is a little harsh. But you get the point.

I don't know what is worst, Bill Walton talking about how great his son is and how Richard Jefferson and Luke Walton are the future of the NBA or the collective stupidity that is spewing from all commentators on Raptors TV.
OH BASKETBALL GODS, SAVE US FROM THE MISERY!!!!!!!!!!

by DENNIS on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Y'all on Crack.. it ain't that bad. Have any of you watched other local crews? The preseason stuff with the Bulls crew was aweful! They blatantly made stuff up (ie Calderon, the Raps starting PG and potential all-star/The great Dirk Like three point shooter from Spain Garbo)

John Saunders was the best, and not sure why he was let go. Chuck is great for radio. The current radio crew is horrible, my cereal's more exiciting than Jonesey.

I'd pitch for a pre/postgame show with maybe Mark Oliver as the straight man, Jack, Leo and a scribe (maybe Doug Smith) a la ESPN Football Gameday.

by Ustation on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

BLAXX: Try the internet.. the FAN streams their broadcast.

by Ustation on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I'm gonna throw a wrench into things and say that I actually don't mind Norma. Yes, she's pure "talk about this" and "talk about that" but I think in the right setting, (ie back on the sidelines actively involved in the game) she'd be much better off. And yes, I totally agree that the RapsTV crew (and even some of the other local media) are much too close to give critical commentary...just think back to the Vince fiasco and how many times Chuck berated him for his play...un...none? In fact that's where I give Leo and Jack props as they both (especially Leo) came right out and said that Vince was dogging it.

Blaxx - I caught that breakdown during the Dallas game and I agree, stuff like that needs to be mixed into the show more often. That's why I was actually enjoying Mr. Stale Bread Brian Heaney last weekend. There was a lot less "ok, this is a basketball, it's round and bounces" stuff. Great comment by Acie - the Jays announcers never did this so why are the RapsTV crew dumbing things down?

And speaking of Heaney, I stumbled upon perhaps the best show on RaptorsTV yesterday - it's a half hour show (perhaps only on Monday's) discussing college hoops with both Heaney and Armstrong. No jokes, just straight ball talk and lots of clips from the past week in ball - something that's hard to find North of the Border.

PS - Howland and I ran into Cabbie at a bar a few weeks ago. Hopefully we can get him on the HQ for a discussion or two in the near future.

by Franchise on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

RSS feed please.

The old site had the RSS feed to this blog and the comments. Are you guys planning to do the same on here? I love this web site and I think it would be even better with RSS.

This is a great topic...keep up the excellent work!!

by Benjo on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Benjo:

You bet. As you will see we are now associated with Hooplife and once that site is launched (soon I am told) then the RSS feed is the first thing on the list of to-do's.

by Howland on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

WOW HOWLAND THAT ARTICLE WAS SOOOOO BRUTAL. Why do you have to be so negeative about everything media surrounding the team. Writing some childish article and having your own little website must have gone to your head. You call everyone out on the show! Who are you! Funniest thing is you admit you have it! But then you go around stating the obvious about Canada and hockey yada yada and that MLSE is just out to make money, no ****! Did someone from the company tell you themselves all those weak arguements for making the channel. And then you go and call out the Swirsk when your the half the man he is, everything you said about him was pure crap. Reading this I think you should follow some of your own advice. Have fun in the corner of the bar? haha wow.

by Blake on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Thank you! I’ve been cringing at my TV since the preseason. The quality of commentary on Raps TV has taken a huge dive this season. Paul Johnson should NOT be the anchor of the pre-mid-post game crew for Raptor’s games. He has little to no knowledge of the game except for the topical information he regurgitates from the day’s headlines. Couple that with the fact he has the personality of a turkey sandwich.

Chuck seriously needs to be reigned in. It’s almost like he is trying to save his job on a daily basis with his incessant sycophantic pandering (ass-licking). He was bad before but this is nuts. Is Chuck in a contract year, ‘cause he may be the first broadcaster to be broadcasting in a "lame-duck" fashion (begging and pleading for his job). Seriously, on some nights is just sad.

Spot on with Jack. I really enjoy Jack Armstrong’s perspective. He truly knows the game and even more interestingly, knows the psyche of basketball players. His breakdown of in game action and to a lesser extent the happenings around the NBA (via Hoops or Full Court Press) is a refreshing. However, he is an analyst not a "host". He’s at his best when providing insight, not hosting a show.

Finally 90 MINUTES (that’s right they bumped it up to 90 this year) is tooooo much. I swear, if I actually watched the whole pre-game show with these clowns my eyes would bleed!

by Chew on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

the cable at my place is sort of 'free', in that I get it, except they haven't asked me to pay for it yet. (a year later.) whoops. in any case, I was actually thinking of giving it up specifically so that I could get RapsTV. by the sound of it, it's probably not the smartest idea, but I just can't go without watching the games live anymore.

by papa on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Blake - you LIKE the RaptorsTV crew? I'm guessing you work for MLSE...or maybe your full name is Blake Swirsky...

by datpiff on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

very good points. one thing that MLSE has to be cautious of in this business move is alienating the younger fans. it is not always possible for a young kid to get his parents to pay for RAPStv , especially if they are not basketball fans. AND more importantly, if the family only has basic cable (which is still a lot more common than most people think) the kid essentially has no chance of getting RAPStv.

AND just be thankful that jamie campbell is not announcing the Raptors games. he is even more of a DWEEB than Swirsky and that is saying a lot. his jokes make me cringe. this goes for swirsky too: don't force the comedy, let it come naturally, if it comes at all. you are doing play by play. it is the job of the color commentator to make dull moments interesting (hence the title of his job).

For such a mediocre team, Swirsky is a decent person to have on the job. is level of optimism is unrealistically high for the team, but does manage to comfort the less critical portion of the fanbase (the majority).

campbell, on the other hand, should be fired. i assume he still has his job because of the increase in ratings... which are due in little part to himself and in large part to the team's improved play. he won't be around anymore when the team neeeds to rebuild again.

by dkmo on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

thanks for starting this discussion Howland.

maybe it's just from being at "art school" but it would be nice to see TV help foster a legacy of geniuses rather than schizo-colonialist-culture-jukeboxes
(eg. a basketball channel teaching the intricacies of and furthering passion for basketball rather than making viewers loyal to consumerist ideology)
the downside would be the players going funkn'nutty with everyone pointing out what mistakes they made during the game/season/career.

by dileroscoe on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Personal attacks, such as that directed at Norma Wick by "Chucky" today, degrade this normally intelligent blogsite. Like the jerk who taunted Dikembe Motumbo at Orlando and was subsequently barred by the NBA, Chucky should be barred from these discussions.

by scott on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

the raptor tv's pre/post game show were patterned after tnt's inside the nba. somebody shd. tell the our guys that barkley , ernie and kenny are actually 'funny' when making fun of each other and that 2 of them have proven basketball knowhow to talk about the game.
that's the missing ingredients .

by coach on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Hmmm. I think Chuck should be appreciated for what he brings, entertaining and upbeat. I actually enjoy his show on 590 because at least he has something positive to say about the Raps. As for Norma Wick, she was a pretty good talk show host when the WTSN was broadcast and not so bad with some of the Raptors broadcasts. I wonder if her role has changed so many times that she doesn't know how she should be presenting. As for Paul and Eric? Pretty much as annoying as Chuck on some games. But the coverage on 590 tends to be so negative outside of the game broadcasts or chuck's afternoon show, I'm happy to hear some pro team rhetoric.
whatever...

by meklet on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

To see the games we have to live with the commentary, like it or not. They do bring us some insight from the players and Leo / Jack are knowledgable. If we are unhappy with RAPTORS TV content & we do not comment to them thru their website we deserve what we get.

NEWS FLASH
The Raptors are tied for FIRST PLACE in the Titanic
Division. New Jersey lost to Dallas tonite.

by Johnn19 on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I have a hard time understanding all the complaints about Raptors TV showing Raptors games. Not too long ago you could not see all the games for any price, and without the games there would be no reason for you to subscribe. I personally believe the game in an hour is worth the subscription, but I never would have known of it if I had not subscribed. Swirsky is not as bad as everyone seems to claim. Yes he is a company man, but he knows the game, and is generally pretty accurate in his analysis as long as its not about the Raptors. Leo I enjoy, and Norma is ok, and probably a lot better looking than whatever that Chucky guy is sleeping with.
Scott: No point in banning Chucky. Chucky only proved he has an IQ that would make a bad basketball score.
My biggest gripe with raptor TV is all the programming from the league. Toronto is a basketball back water, and you cannot expect grade A programming, but the stuff from the league is as bad or worse. Cant the NBA do better than the crap they are dumping on us.

by Kevin on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

RAPTORS.COM - Contact Us

For every one with a comment
on Raptors TV. The only way to give them input on our feelings about content.

by Johnn19 on Dec 5, 2006 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/absolute-poker http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/download-strip-poker http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/free-poker-games http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/free-video-poker-download

by serol on Feb 28, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/strategy-poker http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/strip-poker-bunnypoker http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/tavoli-da-poker http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/empire-poker

by unnyp on Feb 28, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/fulltilt-poker-review http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/online-poker-reviews http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/pai-gow-poker

by oke on Feb 28, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://zalupa1.sblog.cz http://zalup.phpbbx.de http://blog.ialweb.it/pizda/

by lupa1 on Mar 1, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/poker-gioco http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/poker-odds http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/poker-online-gratis http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/poker-regole http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/poker-star http://cax.awardspace.co.uk/pok/set-chi-da-poker

by wardsp on Mar 3, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://pizda.ksiegagosci.info http://www.webspawner.com/users/gglin/ http://badcrloan.info

by bspawne on Mar 4, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello people http://www.volny.cz/steroid/buy-deca http://www.volny.cz/steroid/buy-anavar http://www.volny.cz/steroid/buy-anabolic-steroids http://www.volny.cz/steroid/buy-winstrol

by roid on Mar 7, 2007 12:00 AM EST reply actions

hello world http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/strip-poker-gratis http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/texas-hold-em-poker http://www11.asphost4free.com/esil8cook/video-strip-poker

by world on Mar 14, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

your site is beatiful http://loan-till-payday-news.info http://military-payday-loan-news.info http://no-fax-payday-loan-news.info

by new on Mar 20, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

your site is very good http://payday-loan-canada-news.info http://payday-loan-online-news.info http://payday-loan-store-news.info

by yday on Mar 20, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

your site is very good http://creditpruni.info http://credloannews.info http://loannewcredit.info

by yday on Mar 21, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

with holiday http://www.volny.cz/dian/1/dianabol-side-effects.html http://www.volny.cz/dian/1/dianabol-tablet.html http://www.volny.cz/dian/1/dianabol.html

by olny on Apr 8, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

hello people http://bad-new-credit-new-loan.info http://credit-new-union.info http://credit-new-score.info http://credit-new-repair.info http://online-new-credit-report.info

by ricane on May 2, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions