1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC vs. 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS

Attribute	1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC	1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS
Network	NBC	CBS
Date	January 12, 1986	January 12, 1986
Location	Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey	Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Teams	New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins	New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins
Announcers	Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen	Pat Summerall and John Madden

Introduction

The 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC and the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS were two of the most highly anticipated football games of the year. Both games featured top teams battling it out for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl. While both networks provided coverage of the games, there were distinct differences in the attributes of each broadcast. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC and the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS.

Commentary and Analysis

One of the key attributes of any sports broadcast is the quality of the commentary and analysis provided by the announcers. In the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC, viewers were treated to the insightful commentary of Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen. Enberg and Olsen were a well-respected duo who provided in-depth analysis of the game and kept viewers engaged throughout the broadcast. On the other hand, the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS featured the legendary broadcasting team of Pat Summerall and John Madden. Summerall and Madden were known for their witty banter and deep knowledge of the game, making them a fan favorite among football enthusiasts.

Production Value

Another important attribute of a sports broadcast is the production value of the telecast. In the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC, viewers were treated to high-quality camera work and seamless transitions between plays. The network also made use of innovative graphics and replays to enhance the viewing experience. In contrast, the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS featured a more traditional broadcast style, with a focus on capturing the action on the field without as many flashy graphics or special effects. While both broadcasts were well-produced, the NBC telecast had a slight edge in terms of production value.

Pre-Game Coverage

Pre-game coverage is another important aspect of any sports broadcast, as it sets the stage for the upcoming game and builds excitement among viewers. In the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC, the network provided extensive pre-game coverage, including player interviews, expert analysis, and in-depth breakdowns of the key matchups to watch. This helped to build anticipation for the game and provided valuable insights for viewers. On the other hand, the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS also featured pre-game coverage, but it was not as extensive as the NBC broadcast. While CBS provided some player interviews and analysis, the focus was more on the game itself rather than the pre-game buildup.

Commercial Breaks

Commercial breaks are a necessary evil in any sports broadcast, but the way they are handled can impact the viewing experience. In the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC, the network did a good job of spacing out commercial breaks and ensuring that they did not disrupt the flow of the game. This allowed viewers to stay engaged in the action without being bombarded by ads. In contrast, the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS had slightly more frequent commercial breaks, which some viewers found to be disruptive. While both networks needed to air commercials, NBC did a better job of integrating them into the broadcast seamlessly.

Post-Game Analysis

After the final whistle blows, viewers often look forward to post-game analysis to break down the key moments of the game and provide insights into what went right or wrong for each team. In the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC, viewers were treated to a comprehensive post-game analysis that included interviews with players and coaches, as well as expert commentary on the game. This helped to provide closure for viewers and wrap up the broadcast on a high note. Similarly, the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS also featured post-game analysis, but it was not as extensive as the NBC broadcast. While CBS provided some insights into the game, the focus was more on wrapping up the broadcast quickly rather than delving deep into the analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1986 AFC Championship Game on NBC and the 1986 NFC Championship Game on CBS were both well-produced broadcasts that provided viewers with an exciting and engaging viewing experience. While both networks had their strengths and weaknesses, each broadcast had its own unique attributes that set it apart from the other. Whether it was the quality of the commentary, the production value, or the pre-game coverage, both networks did a commendable job of bringing the excitement of the championship games to viewers across the country.