The Heidi Game: A Blunder in Sports Broadcasting History
In 1968, an infamous incident in sports broadcasting occurred, known as the Heidi Game. This event saw NBC air a made-for-TV movie named Heidi instead of finishing a live football game between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets. Let's delve into the details of this notorious incident.
The Incident and Its Impact
The game was initially scheduled to conclude at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. However, it went into overtime, extending past the scheduled end time. Despite the extra time, NBC made the controversial decision to air the film Heidi instead of allowing viewers to witness the Raiders' dramatic comeback. This decision came as a shock to fans who were not aware of the game delay or the preemptive airtime allocated to the film. The Raiders ultimately won the game 43-32, with key touchdowns secured in the final seconds.
Details of the Game
The game was played at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. With just over 65 seconds remaining, the Jets led the Raiders 32-29. The Raiders scored two consecutive touchdowns in the final 65 seconds, securing a 43-32 victory. However, these crucial moments were missed by many fans who were tuned into NBC and watching Heidi.
Behind the Decision: NBC's Motivation
NBC's decision to air Heidi was made by its director of programming, Dick Cline. Cline stated that his primary concern was not to upset the sponsors who had paid for commercial airtime during the film. This move, however, did upset the football fans and viewers who wanted to see the final moments of the game.
The "Heidi Game" and Its Lasting Impact
The Heidi Game became a significant event in the history of sports broadcasting. It led to a change in how networks handle live sporting events. Today, it is considered standard practice for networks to avoid cutting away from live events, even if it means running overtime, to ensure that fans can see the conclusion of crucial matches.
Consequences and Apologies
Fans and viewers were outraged by NBC's decision. The incident garnered significant backlash, and NBC was forced to issue an apology. This blunder served as a learning experience, leading to stricter guidelines for network programming during live events.
The Heidi Game is a testament to how a single decision can have a lasting impact on the industry. It not only affected viewers in the United States but also changed the way sports broadcasting is managed globally.
Summary: When NBC chose to air the made-for-TV movie Heidi instead of finishing the 1968 AFL game between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets, they faced significant backlash. This incident, known as the Heidi Game, highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of live sporting events. Today, networks adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid similar blunders.
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