CBS Sports coverage once again includes drones, FlyCam, walk-and-talk interviews and more
The storied 69-year partnership between Augusta National and CBS Sports predates their affiliation; Sean McManus and Vern Lundquist, it's hard to imagine the Masters without either of them. But all things must pass. This week, the esteemed CBS Sports chairman and iconic CBS golf announcer (both sports broadcasting Hall of Famers) are undertaking one final outing at Augusta National before bidding farewell to a tradition unlike any other. .
And in the case of McManus, now 28 years old,th A year at the forefront of CBS Sports' Masters efforts, this is not only a moment of celebration, but also a moment of validation for nearly 30 years at the helm.
“I think we've re-established ourselves as the golf record network in the United States. I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of our presentation and… some of the innovations we've established,” he said. says. “Even five years ago, if you had us put in a tape of our coverage of the Masters, things would be dramatically different now. I’m amazed at the work and it’s getting better every week.”
Lots of camaraderie on the track and spectacular aerial views on the course
CBS Sports' Masters coverage Seller is shy (3rd year as coordinating producer) with Jim Rikhoff and supervised steve milton (Lead Director) with bob matina. andy friedman and Chris Svendsen I will work as a replay producer. Friedman produces the Masters highlight show; cory fishman Supervise.
“Having so many people around you… [provides] I’m very proud,” Shai says. “We feel we have the best team to cover the best event.”
Viewers will be treated to spectacular skies from Augusta thanks in large part to CBS Sports' arsenal of live drones covering the course and the return of the FlyCam point-to-point wired system on the 16th hole, which also covers the 15th green. You can expect a lot of photos. McManus also teased that coordinating producer Sellers Shy plans to deploy additional aerial cameras for this year's coverage.
“I think one of the biggest additions to our coverage at Augusta National is the live drones,” McManus said. “For the past few years, they've been giving us a view of Augusta National from above that we've never seen before. All of our cameras were mounted on platforms or towers; We never got that expansive, panoramic view high up in the sky, and I think people's reaction to it was extraordinary.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Shai also highlighted other CBS Sports innovations that have become common across the industry in recent years, including transparent always-on leaderboard graphics, a “supertower” that houses the network's on-air talent, and in-booth rules officials. I've revived some.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve done over the past three years,” Shai says. “It starts with a constant leaderboard in the bottom right, which is now the mainstay of not only our but frankly all of our golf coverage. Our super tower where all of our announcers come together in one place is , has become very popular on other stations, and we are very proud of that. [And also] rules person [as well].
“We’re focused on what we’re doing and I’d like to think we’ve got a pretty good three-year resume so far,” Shai continues. “We will always aim to strengthen, not just two major championships.” [The Masters and the PGA Championship], even on the PGA Tour. ”
CBS Sports will also feature walk-and-talk interviews with players on the course, a mainstay of all CBS Sports golf coverage. Access to players at this level is just one of many major advances in CBS Sports' Masters coverage over the past 30 years.
“I don’t think we expected how much our reporting would be different in 2024 than it has been in the past. [my first Masters in] 1997,” he says. “Saturday and Sunday he was 18 years old and he came in pretty early for full coverage of the hole and from an aerial view of the golf course. [Lead on-course reporter Dottie Pepper’ inside the ropes, which we never had before.
“Listen, we could have kept our coverage in 1997 the same for the next 27 years, and people would’ve thought it was still the best golf tournament coverage in this country,” he continues. “But [former coordinating producer] Lance Barrow and now Sellers have taken it to a new level. And then there's Steve Milton, who has directed every Masters I've been involved with. They're always trying to challenge themselves and are working with Augusta National on camera positions and new audio. [opportunities]and aerial photography.
Go out feeling great
Of course, McManus' history at Augusta National extends far beyond his nearly 30 years at the helm of CBS Sports. his father, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer Jim McKay, anchoring the Masters on CBS until 1960, when he moved to ABC Sports to launch what would become Wide World of Sports with Rune Arlidge. So while this may be his last year in an official capacity at the Masters, McManus' love for Augusta National will live on long after his retirement.
“One of the great privileges of my life and career has been the opportunity to be so closely involved with Augusta National and the Masters. And as I look back on my career, Augusta National and the Masters are the things I am most proud of. “I'll look back with it,'' he says. “And early Sunday morning, I'm going to make the traditional trip to Amen Corner and soak it all up…and have a nice conversation with my dad, who loved Amen Corner as much as I do.”