American Football League on ABC vs. American Football League on NBC

Attribute	American Football League on ABC	American Football League on NBC
Network	ABC	NBC
Game Coverage	Regular season games	Playoff games
Commentators	Al Michaels, Booger McFarland	Mike Tirico, Tony Dungy
Viewership	Higher ratings	Lower ratings

History

The American Football League (AFL) was a major professional football league that operated from 1960 until 1969. During its existence, the AFL had broadcasting agreements with both ABC and NBC. ABC began broadcasting AFL games in 1960, while NBC started airing AFL games in 1965. Both networks played a crucial role in popularizing the AFL and helping it compete with the more established National Football League (NFL).

Coverage

ABC and NBC both provided extensive coverage of AFL games during the 1960s. ABC's coverage of the AFL included the popular "Monday Night Football" series, which began in 1970 and featured AFL games before the merger with the NFL. NBC also aired a significant number of AFL games, including playoff matchups and the AFL Championship Game. Both networks helped bring the excitement of AFL football into living rooms across the country.

Commentators

ABC and NBC each had their own team of commentators for AFL games. ABC's "Monday Night Football" was famously hosted by Howard Cosell, along with play-by-play announcer Keith Jackson and former AFL player Don Meredith. NBC's broadcast team included announcers like Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis, who provided in-depth analysis and commentary during AFL games. Both networks had talented and knowledgeable commentators who enhanced the viewing experience for fans.

Production Value

When it came to production value, both ABC and NBC invested heavily in their AFL broadcasts. ABC's "Monday Night Football" was known for its innovative camera angles and high-quality production, which helped set it apart from other sports broadcasts of the time. NBC also made sure to provide viewers with top-notch production value, including multiple camera angles, instant replays, and in-game graphics. Both networks understood the importance of creating a visually appealing broadcast for their audiences.

Viewership

ABC and NBC both attracted a large viewership for their AFL broadcasts. ABC's "Monday Night Football" became a cultural phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers each week and helping to solidify the AFL's popularity. NBC also had a strong viewership for its AFL games, with fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams compete on the national stage. Both networks played a crucial role in expanding the AFL's audience and bringing the excitement of professional football to a wider audience.

Legacy

After the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, both ABC and NBC continued to broadcast NFL games. ABC's "Monday Night Football" became a staple of American television, with a long and successful run that lasted until 2005. NBC also continued to air NFL games, including the popular "Sunday Night Football" series. The legacy of the AFL lives on through these broadcasts, as both networks helped pave the way for the modern era of professional football on television.