TSN “Live Mic” games are about to become a regular occurrence.
According to sources, “Live Mic” games will begin in Week 3 and end in Week 20, the final slate of the 2018 regular season. Each team will participate in two home and two away “Live Mic” games.
The reason for increased “Live Mic” games: they provide a ratings bump. There have been nearly 10 per cent more average viewers in CFL matchups featuring “Live Mics.”
Both head coaches, starting quarterbacks and back-up quarterbacks from each team will wear the “Live Mics” with the focus being the team on offence. There will be a 10-second delay so CFL and TSN representatives can monitor any potential foul language and use the mute button if needed.
TSN’s first ever “Live Mic” broadcast aired on Sunday, August 28, 2016, in a game between the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Stamps won 30-24.
“This Live Mic Broadcast is a next-level fan experience. Our viewers will feel like they’re standing right there in the huddle,” said Paul Graham, Vice-President and Executive Producer, Live Events, TSN in a statement when the progressive initiative was announced.
There has been some pushback from the teams in regards to wearing the “Live Mics”, the CFL fined the Edmonton Eskimos and Jason Maas for refusing to wear the mics in an October 2016 game in Montreal.
Four “Live Mic” games aired in 2016 but none in 2017.
