ABC’s broadcast was suddenly overwhelmed by static on Saturday, moments after the crew discussed the possibility that President Donald Trump’s presence at the Texas-Tennessee football game could disrupt communications.
The audio problems began after sideline reporter Laura Rutledge handed coverage back to play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler and analyst Kirk Herbstreit following her first-quarter report. As the booth returned to the game, the commentators became difficult to understand, with garbled audio and heavy static continuing for several minutes.
At one point, Fowler could be heard asking Herbstreit to remain quiet briefly while technicians worked to resolve the broadcast audio failure.
Earlier, while Rutledge was speaking, ABC displayed a graphic explaining “electromagnetic deconfliction.” The term referred to the coordination of radio frequencies with the Secret Service, which was providing security for President Trump as he moved through Neyland Stadium.
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The ABC broadcast returned to clear audio after several minutes.