Remote broadcasting. If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably heard the term pop up over the past few years. Once a necessary safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now become a cost-cutting favorite for major networks. The premise is simple: instead of sending broadcasters and production teams to live events, they work from a studio, miles—or even continents—away. It’s efficient for the networks, but for fans? Let’s just say the reviews haven’t exactly been great.

In the world of NASCAR, this practice has been a particular sore spot. FOX Sports and The CW, two of the sport’s key broadcast partners, are now at the center of the controversy. And when veteran FOX reporter Jamie Little’s recent Q&A on social media confirmed the growing trend of remote broadcasts, fans didn’t hold back their frustrations.

Last Tuesday, Jamie Little took to X during a flight to Los Angeles and offered to answer questions from fans. Naturally, one fan asked a question that’s been on many minds: “What percentage of Truck and ARCA broadcasts will be in-person vs. remote from the studio?” Little’s response? “Those details are all being worked out. Remote production is here to stay and only going to grow. That’s the case for multiple sports and network cable channels.”

While her honesty was commendable, the reaction was anything but positive. NASCAR fans have long voiced their disdain for remote broadcasts, citing a diminished viewing experience and a lack of authenticity. Little’s confirmation that remote broadcasts are set to expand was a bitter pill to swallow, and social media quickly lit up with fiery reactions.

The CW’s impending seven-year deal to exclusively televise Xfinity Series races has only heightened fan concerns. According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, the network is considering broadcasting some races remotely from NASCAR’s state-of-the-art $53 million facility in North Carolina. While pit reporters and some production staff would still be on-site, the core broadcast team might be miles away from the action.

The CW, for its part, has emphasized its commitment to delivering high-quality coverage. During the announcement of the network’s partnership with NASCAR, CW President Dennis Miller stated, “We can’t wait to give racing fans an early preview of all the exciting action the NASCAR Xfinity Series has to offer on The CW and look forward to establishing the network as a new destination for live motorsports.” However, fans remain skeptical, pointing to the potential pitfalls of remote broadcasts.

Top Comment by dockjock

the CWis bad already you cant read anything on the screen and it is in SD not HD

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Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s VP of Media and Productions, struck an optimistic tone during the CW partnership announcement, saying, “We have incredible media partners who collaborate at an exceptional level to showcase the excitement of live NASCAR racing.” But if remote broadcasts continue to grow, as Jamie Little suggested, fans are worried that excitement could be lost in translation.

The CW’s plans add fuel to the fire

“The product suffers when it’s a remote broadcast, but I’m glad the multi-billion dollar broadcast companies can save a few bucks,” one fan sardonically, summing up the general sentiment. From a business perspective, the shift to remote broadcasting makes sense. It’s cheaper, logistically simpler, and reduces the carbon footprint of live event coverage. But for fans, it’s a glaring example of networks prioritizing profits over the quality of the viewing experience.

Others were even more direct. “Remote is garbage. You guys should be screaming this from the rooftops,” replied another. The frustration didn’t stop there, with one fan adding, “Not only is it clunky, but it makes the announcers look like they aren’t paying attention.” NASCAR, a sport built on high-octane drama and split-second decisions, relies on broadcasters who can capture the intensity of the action. Remote setups, however, often fall short in conveying that immediacy. Delays in commentary, missed nuances, and a perceived lack of engagement from announcers have all been cited as issues with remote broadcasts.

The complaints aren’t just about the principle of remote broadcasting; they’re about the tangible impact on the quality of coverage. Fans have pointed out noticeable issues during FOX’s remote broadcasts of Truck Series and ARCA races in the past, from delayed reactions to a lack of situational awareness. As one fan succinctly put it, “The @NASCARONFOX broadcasts of Truck and ARCA races are noticeably inferior when the crew is forced to do them remotely.” For many fans, this feels like déjà vu. FOX’s past experiments with remote broadcasts left a sour taste, and the prospect of The CW adopting a similar strategy has sparked outrage. “Please, @TheCW, don’t make the same mistake,” one fan pleaded online.

Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on the controversy earlier last year, urging The CW, which will take over Xfinity Series broadcasts in 2025, not to follow FOX’s example. “I hope they do not,” he wrote, echoing the widespread sentiment that remote broadcasts simply don’t cut it for NASCAR.

With just under a month until the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off at the Clash, all eyes are on FOX and The CW. Will they address fan concerns, or will remote broadcasts become the new norm? For now, fans are left to wait and see—and, judging by the outcry, they won’t be holding their breath for good news.