FOX is ready to bring fans the World Series and here is everything you need to know to watch the action

In his office on the FOX studios lot about 12 miles from Dodger Stadium, Eric Shank is meticulously reviewing the final details for the 2024 World Series coverage. As the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, he has spent months planning the network’s extensive coverage, ensuring that everything runs seamlessly for Game 1 between the Dodgers and Yankees on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. 

This could be the highest rated World Series in decades with the two storied franchises and the two largest media markets in New York and Los Angeles. This is not lost of Shanks and his team.

A celebrated producer in his own right, Shanks is well known for his innovation and keen on adopting new technology to improve the viewing experience for fans. Along with his key inner circle comprised of game producer Pete Macheska, director Matt Gangl, and Brad Cheney, the vice president of field operations and engineering they are shuttling back and forth from the remote truck compound at the stadium and the FOX Studios. 

In their 29th consecutive year broadcasting the Fall Classic FOX has everything covered

The production truck compounds at the stadium will showcase the industry’s two leading remote broadcasters. NEP Productions will roll out four trucks in Los Angeles, while Game Creek with their four mobile units will handle the broadcast duties in New York at Yankee Stadium. Both setups will feature identical equipment: 18 to 20 manned cameras (including 10 super-slow-motion systems with various frame rates), an RF handheld, two RF MoVI gimbal systems, six robotic cameras, three point-of-view cameras, two Phantom ultra-high-speed cameras, three DirtCams, one FlyCam wired system, and a drone.

We’re aware of the visual aspects, but what about the audio? Fox is deploying 52 effects microphones and three parabolic mics to capture the game’s sounds. Additionally, a vast array of replay resources, including 142 recording channels and 32 playouts, are set for the World Series. This ensures that every dramatic moment is captured not just on video, but also allows you to hear everything happening on and off the field.

How about the Ump Cam?

The most significant upgrade is the new Ump View camera, which will provide a much clearer viewpoint from behind home plate for the broadcast. Shanks and his team have collaborated closely with MLB, which has shown a willingness to work with RF Wireless to refine an RF camera mounted atop the home plate umpire’s mask. This camera can be shaded to match other game cameras and is supported for use during games. Fox Sports, having debuted this camera during the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, anticipates the integration of its clearer shots into World Series coverage.

All most like being in the park

The upcoming World Series broadcast will feature the highest picture quality ever produced, with 1080p HDR, marking a significant advancement for an industry moving past 720p and 1080i HD and standard dynamic range. FOX is set to introduce their “iterative home-run tracker,” which will graphically depict home runs, enriching the visual and auditory experience to better mimic the feeling of being in the park. Furthermore, they will reveal a novel method for behind-the-plate advertising that moves away from traditional green board technology.

Pre and Post Game Coverage from the stadiums on location

Fox’s pre- and post-game panel will feature a star-studded lineup with Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, and host Kevin Burkhardt but since this is Los Angeles and New York don’t be surprised who will show up on the on the set. 

In the booth and on the field

In the booth for FOX will be broadcaster Joe Davis and analyst John Smoltz, who will return for the Fall Classic, accompanied by dugout reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci

Things you need to know

1. Spanish language broadcasts will air on FOX Deportes 
2. Radio will be ESPN – Play-by-play goes to Karl Ravech and his team—Eduardo Pérez and Tim Kurkjian doing the color.
3. How to watch – Well let’s start with your local FOX affiliate or the FOX Sports app and that requires a pay TV subscription.  Five live TV streaming services carry Fox in at least some markets: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. All have free trials to check out should not have one of these streamers.

The Broadcast World Series Schedule

*If Necessary