CBS and USA Network "will serve up a host of added
production elements for their coverage of the U.S. Open
tennis tournament," according to Michael Burgi of MEDIAWEEK.
The event's new Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, NY, gives
the networks "an array of new camera positions and technical
capabilities to attract and entertain viewers." USA will
carry 84 hours of coverage, with CBS airing weekend matches,
including the semifinals and finals. Burgi writes that the
two networks "hope their new home at the event will help
buoy ratings." During the '96 season, CBS used a baseline
camera that featured slow-motion photography called the
"Mac-Cam," named after CBS/USA analyst John McEnroe. CBS
plans to add a second "Mac-Cam" along the sideline, and use
several robotic cameras on the stadium's roof and on the
announcers' booth. Burgi also reports that another special
camera may be installed under the umpire's chair. USA
Sports Exec Producer Gordon Beck said that the network
"hopes to use a 'Go-Cam,' a camera fitted in a tube that
will race side-to-side along the baseline behind the
players," similar to equipment used in the Atlanta Olympics.
The USTA "still needs to review the Go-Cam to ensure it will
not interfere with play" (MEDIAWEEK, 7/21 issue).
