Scott Hanson broke a promise last Sunday, and “NFL RedZone” viewers are not letting him forget it. “NFL RedZone” is supposed to be commercial-free, with Hanson telling his viewers, “Seven hours of commercial-free football starts now,” at the beginning of every broadcast. Last Sunday, viewers were hit with a commercial on a split screen during the 1 p.m. ET window.
Scott Hanson Apologizes on Social Media to Fans for Commercials
Hanson issued an apology to the fans via his social media account. He did not apologize for the commercials themselves but did apologize for saying there would be no commercials when there actually was one.
“Hey everyone,” Hanson began in a video posted on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account on Friday night. “As we kick off a great football weekend, I just wanted to take a quick second and apologize for using the ‘commercial-free’ catchphrase at the top of last week’s show. I was conflicted about it beforehand, I had a tough decision to make, and I made the wrong decision. And I’m sorry.”
To our great fans… pic.twitter.com/vFcOhK4T0M
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) December 21, 2024
Hanson continued with his apology.
“I try to be the best host I can possibly be,” Hanson said. “What we have shared together, and what we have seen and experienced together for 16 seasons on ‘NFL RedZone,’ is unlike anything else. I love it. I hope to do it for 16 more years. But being a good host means being accurate, being truthful, and having integrity. And so, I hope you consider accepting this apology.”
Sportico.com has reported there was no mistake with the split-screen advertising. NFL Media was experimenting with the notion of having split-screen advertising. They wanted to try it and see how it played out. The most recent “NFL RedZone” broadcast featured “test” ads for league partners, including Gatorade, Verizon, Visa, and Lowe’s.
The viewers did not accept these commercials happily.
Representatives from NFL Media have guaranteed there will be no more commercials this season, but next season is a bird of a different color. There might be advertising on the “NFL RedZone” next season. They are leaving the door open.
