Channel Seven has released a video revealing what the AFL will sound like with added artificial crowd noises.
The AFL season is due to recommence on June 11th without spectators, but the network has announced plans to add artificial crowd sounds to their broadcasts.
Channel 7 shared a “before and after” video to Twitter earlier in the week, comparing what games would look like before and after the sound effects are added in.
“AFL players have returned to their clubs across the country, ahead of the season restart on June 11. Channel 7 will be adding crowd noise to the telecast from round 2,” the network wrote on Twitter.
It’s safe to say that the artificial noises are dividing fans and critics. One fan likened the advent of artificial crowd noise to canned laughter in a sitcom.
I am more than skeptical. Can we have a separate fan experience with no canned laughter, no commentators and a single centre wing wide shot camera as a secondary channel instead?
— Peter G (@pguthrey) May 18, 2020
“I couldn’t think of a worse, more out of touch idea ever,” another punter wrote.
I couldn't think of a worse, more out of touch idea ever. This is laughing stock material, without canned laughter. Get it together @7AFL people know there are no crowds, you're treating everyone else like dolts while patting yourselves on the back, likely backed to bass sounds
— Stephen Farrelly (@steve_farrelly) May 18, 2020
However, the new initiative has garnered support from some of the game’s biggest personalities. Veteran AFL commentator and former player, Brian Taylor, voiced his support for the artificial noise in a recent interview.
“Were you happy to sit and watch the footy without any noise at all? I don’t think there were too many people that were,” Taylor said in an interview with 7News.
“It doesn’t need a lot and I think what the head of sport at Channel 7 Lewis Martin is suggesting is it’s just a little bit of a humming noise in the background.”
However, Taylor suggested that adjustments could be made if the new addition proves unpopular with fans.
“Perhaps we will teeth this as we progress so if people don’t like it we can turn it down or turn it up,” he suggested.
Here at The Brag, it just reminds us of bad PS2 games with poorly animated crowds. Rugby League 2 and AFL Live, we’re looking at you here.
Check out the official announcement that the AFL will recommence in June:
