• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 22, 2024

Fox Catching Flak For Tone-Deaf World Cup Coverage

  • Network’s early coverage ignores Qatar’s human rights record.
  • Viewers complain about coverage gaps in ‘Mickey Mouse’ production.
USMNT striker Josh Sargent heads ball towards Welsh goal during World Cup match
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

It’s early, but Fox Sports’ initial coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is not exactly drawing critical raves.

Over the first two days, Fox’s commentators have been nothing but enthusiastic about the first World Cup to be played in the Middle East. But the network’s see-no-evil approach has ignored controversial topics — whether it’s Qatar’s persecution of the LGBTQ+ community, the deaths of migrant workers building stadiums, or the country’s oppression of women.

USMNT players celebrate in front of fans after scoring goal

At Qatar World Cup, Young USMNT Can Change Soccer’s Narrative

Years of investment and American soccer culture are at stake.
November 19, 2022

Fox paid FIFA $400 million for exclusive English language rights to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in the U.S. It’s still early. But whether it’s the tone or the production, Fox’s performance over the first two days is drawing backlash:

  • On Sunday, USA TODAY wrote viewers were disappointed that Fox’s initial coverage “ignored Qatar’s awful human rights record.” The network’s coverage “often sounded like an infomercial for Qatar,” wrote USAT. 
  • Some U.S. viewers could leave Fox for Telemundo’s Spanish-language coverage or BBC’s coverage in the United Kingdom.
  • On Monday, the Daily Mail wrote: “Fox Sports is SLAMMED by American World Cup fans as TV coverage drops out multiple times in the first hour of broadcast… leaving viewers furious at ‘Mickey Mouse production.’” 
  • With Qatar tourism ads airing frequently during coverage, The Guardian reported U.S. viewers were sick of Fox “shilling” for the smallest nation ever to host the World Cup. “You can chill out on the propaganda. Just call the games,” tweeted one viewer.
  • The New York Post criticized Fox for beginning its World Cup coverage on the FS1 cable channel Sunday — and for the lack of a post-game show: “It just feels smaller than it should.”

Fox could have added more context, tweeted soccer commentator Roger Bennett. In stark contrast to the American network’s pom-pom waving approach, the BBC’s table-setter briskly touched on the biggest controversies, including accusations of corruption during the bidding process.  

The BBC, meanwhile, is getting criticism from the opposite quarter. One story asked whether  the BBC is guilty of “snubbing” the World Cup by shifting Opening Ceremonies coverage off its primary platform in favor of a human rights message by host Gary Lineker.  

But Fox’s critics shouldn’t be that surprised. Before the tournament started, Fox executive David Neal told The Athletic the network’s coverage would stick to the pitch.

“When they come to Fox Sports during the World Cup, they’re coming to us to see the world’s greatest sport being played in the world’s most popular tournament. We give them complete coverage of that,” Neal said. “We give them opinionated analysis of that. It is an editorial decision. We’re going to center on the World Cup. 

“If they come to us wanting to hear stories about other things, other events that have been in the news, they can go and find them at another outlet. That’s not what we believe they’re coming to us to see.”

Fox declined to comment for this story.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Expanded SEC Is the Gift That Keeps Giving for ABC

ABC has broadcast 12 of the top 15 most-watched games across all networks.

Michael Strahan Responds to National Anthem Controversy

The NFL analyst and “GMA” host was criticized for not putting his hand over his heart.

Cowboys’ Struggles Could Lead the NFL to Flex Out America’s Team

The perennially popular team is facing a very different reality this season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Who Can Actually Afford Juan Soto?

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.
A photo of Around the Horn's set

‘Around the Horn’ to End 23-Year ESPN Run in 2025

ESPN had reportedly been thinking of canceling the show since the summer.
Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers play during the second half at TD Garden.
November 20, 2024

Cavs vs. Celtics Draws Big TV Numbers in NBA Cup Showdown

The game averaged 1.94 million viewers and peaked at 2.7 million.
November 21, 2024

NBA Legend Hubie Brown Stepping Away From ESPN at 91

Brown has been associated with the league for over 50 years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 20, 2024

Comcast’s SpinCo: New Home for USA Network, Golf Channel, Sports Rights

The move by NBC Sports’ parent company reflects how dramatically the linear television business has changed.
Nov 18, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center.
November 19, 2024

Will NBA Flex Last-Place Sixers From National TV Games?

Philadelphia is 2–11, tied for last in the NBA.
November 19, 2024

Bills’ Dethroning of Chiefs Draws Highest TV Ratings of NFL Season

The massive rating continues Kansas City’s dominance as the NFL’s No. 1 TV team.
November 19, 2024

Netflix Stock Rises Again As Tyson-Paul Fight Sets Streaming Record

The streamer says it generated 108 million global viewers for the bout.