The Utility of Graphics Containing Statistics in NCAA Championship Broadcasts
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Communication & Media Studies
Start Date
13-4-2018 11:30 AM
End Date
13-4-2018 11:45 AM
Sponsor
Adam Kuban (Ball State University)
Description
College basketball, and especially March Madness is enjoyed by countless Americans throughout the country. Televised broadcasts of these games continue to grow in popularity in the past three decades since CBS was given the rights to the tournament. Thanks to an advancement in technology, the network now has the ability to incorporate many new features to enhance the experience of the fans viewing from home. One of the most significant ways is through the use of graphics and statistics throughout the game’s broadcast. This study analyses how the utility of graphics that contain statistics have changed within championship broadcasts. Starting in the early 80’s and reviewing the championship game in five year intervals up to the most recent title, shows the progression not only in the total number of graphics that appear on screen, but also the amount of screen space that is consumed, the length of the display on screen, and the type of statistic contained. The preliminary findings suggest that graphics have become more prevalent in recent years and appear in more variety in regards to size and content. These alterations have been beneficial in keeping viewers informed and entertained through the entirety of the broadcast and are one of the key contributing factors in the popularity of March Madness.
The Utility of Graphics Containing Statistics in NCAA Championship Broadcasts
Indianapolis, IN
College basketball, and especially March Madness is enjoyed by countless Americans throughout the country. Televised broadcasts of these games continue to grow in popularity in the past three decades since CBS was given the rights to the tournament. Thanks to an advancement in technology, the network now has the ability to incorporate many new features to enhance the experience of the fans viewing from home. One of the most significant ways is through the use of graphics and statistics throughout the game’s broadcast. This study analyses how the utility of graphics that contain statistics have changed within championship broadcasts. Starting in the early 80’s and reviewing the championship game in five year intervals up to the most recent title, shows the progression not only in the total number of graphics that appear on screen, but also the amount of screen space that is consumed, the length of the display on screen, and the type of statistic contained. The preliminary findings suggest that graphics have become more prevalent in recent years and appear in more variety in regards to size and content. These alterations have been beneficial in keeping viewers informed and entertained through the entirety of the broadcast and are one of the key contributing factors in the popularity of March Madness.