What Was the Heidi Game and Why Was It So Controversial?

The Heidi Game, a 1968 American Football League (AFL) game between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets, is infamous because NBC cut away from the game’s exciting finish to air the children’s movie Heidi. At polarservicecenter.net, we understand how frustrating it can be when technology doesn’t cooperate, whether it’s missing the end of a crucial game or dealing with technical issues on your Polar device, so here’s what happened. This event led to significant changes in how sports are broadcast and is a stark reminder of balancing viewer expectations and scheduled programming. From sports broadcasting history to broadcast interruption, this is a television programming nightmare.

1. What Exactly Was The Heidi Game?

The Heidi Game refers to the November 17, 1968, American Football League (AFL) game between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets where NBC switched its broadcast from the game’s final moments to the television film Heidi. This decision occurred with just over a minute left in the game, a decision that infuriated football fans across the country and led to significant changes in sports broadcasting policies. According to NFL.com, this game is one of the NFL’s greatest games.

To fully appreciate the impact of the Heidi Game, it’s essential to understand the context surrounding it. The game was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the AFL’s top teams, the Raiders and the Jets, both boasting impressive records and a large number of future Hall of Fame players. The game was intense, filled with lead changes, penalties, and timeouts, which caused it to run longer than the scheduled broadcast window.

As the game approached its final minute, the Jets held a narrow lead of 32-29. What followed was a series of dramatic plays that would have been etched in football lore had they been broadcast nationwide:

The Raiders scored two touchdowns in the final nine seconds of the game.
The first touchdown came on a long pass from quarterback Daryle Lamonica to halfback Charlie Smith, followed by a facemask penalty that moved the ball further downfield.
The second touchdown occurred when the Jets fumbled the kickoff, and the Raiders recovered the ball in the end zone.

These two quick scores gave the Raiders a 43-32 victory, but most of the national television audience missed it.

NBC executives had previously decided that regardless of the game’s status, they would switch to Heidi at 7:00 PM ET to capitalize on high ratings during November sweeps. This decision was based on the belief that the family-friendly movie would attract a large audience.

As the game ran long, NBC executives realized their mistake and tried to contact the control room to delay the broadcast of Heidi. However, the telephone lines were overwhelmed with calls from viewers either demanding that the game stay on or that Heidi be shown as scheduled. As a result, the message to delay the movie never reached the person who needed to hear it.

The switch to Heidi during the game’s climax sparked immediate and widespread outrage among football fans. The network’s switchboards were flooded with angry calls, and the backlash extended to newspapers, the telephone company, and even the New York City Police Department, whose emergency lines were clogged by frustrated viewers.

The Heidi Game had several lasting consequences for sports broadcasting:

NFL Broadcasting Rule: The NFL implemented a new rule guaranteeing that all games would be broadcast to their conclusion in their local markets.
“Heidi Phone”: NBC installed a dedicated phone line, dubbed the “Heidi Phone,” in the control room to ensure that critical messages about game broadcasts would not be missed.
Increased Awareness: The incident raised awareness of the importance of live sports and the potential for conflicts between scheduled programming and live events.

The Heidi Game remains a significant event in sports broadcasting history, illustrating the challenges of balancing live events with scheduled programming and the importance of understanding viewer expectations.

An image of the NBC logo, the network that made the controversial decision to switch to Heidi during the climactic moments of the Raiders-Jets game.

2. What Led To The Infamous Decision To Switch To Heidi?

The decision to switch from the Raiders-Jets game to Heidi was a result of a combination of factors, including contractual obligations, programming strategy, and a series of unfortunate miscommunications. According to Michael Tunison’s article on bleacherreport.com, the switch was due to NBC’s archaic technology and the inability to call the programming change.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that led to the switch:

Contractual Obligations: NBC had a contractual commitment to broadcast Heidi at 7:00 PM ET. This commitment was part of the network’s programming strategy to attract viewers during the November sweeps, a period when television ratings are crucial for setting advertising rates.
Programming Strategy: Heidi was a made-for-TV movie based on the classic children’s story by Johanna Spyri. NBC believed that the family-friendly movie would draw a large audience, especially on a Sunday evening. The network aimed to capitalize on this potential viewership by sticking to the scheduled broadcast time.
Game Duration: The Raiders-Jets game was particularly intense, marked by numerous penalties, timeouts, and lead changes. This caused the game to run longer than anticipated, pushing it closer to the 7:00 PM ET deadline.
Communication Breakdown: As the game approached its scheduled end time, NBC executives realized the potential for a conflict between the live game and the scheduled movie. They attempted to contact the control room to delay the broadcast of Heidi. However, the network’s phone lines were overwhelmed with calls from viewers, some demanding that the game stay on and others insisting that Heidi be shown as scheduled. This overload of calls prevented the critical message to delay the movie from reaching the person in charge of making the switch.
Decision-Making Process: The decision to switch to Heidi ultimately rested with a single NBC programmer, Dick Cline, who was responsible for ensuring that the network adhered to its programming schedule. Cline later stated that he had waited for instructions to delay the movie but received none. As the 7:00 PM ET deadline approached, he made the decision to proceed with the scheduled broadcast of Heidi.
Technological Limitations: In 1968, television technology was not as advanced as it is today. The ability to seamlessly switch between live events and scheduled programming was limited. This technological constraint contributed to the difficulty in managing the broadcast in real-time.

The combination of these factors created a perfect storm that led to the infamous decision to switch from the Raiders-Jets game to Heidi. The incident highlighted the challenges of balancing contractual obligations, programming strategy, and viewer expectations in the context of live sports broadcasting.

The decision was influenced by NBC’s desire to capture high ratings during November sweeps with the family-friendly movie Heidi. Despite attempts to delay the movie due to the game’s overrun, communication breakdowns and technological limitations led to the switch, sparking widespread outrage among football fans.

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3. How Did Fans React To The Heidi Game Switch?

The reaction to NBC’s decision to switch from the Raiders-Jets game to Heidi was immediate and overwhelmingly negative, particularly among football fans. The anger and frustration were palpable, leading to a series of actions that underscored the public’s dissatisfaction.

Here’s a detailed look at how fans reacted to the Heidi Game switch:

Flooding of NBC Switchboards: As soon as the switch occurred, NBC’s switchboards were inundated with angry calls from viewers. Fans expressed their outrage and demanded an explanation for the abrupt end to the game. The sheer volume of calls overwhelmed the network’s phone system, causing it to break down.
Calls to Other Institutions: Unable to get through to NBC, frustrated fans began calling other institutions, including the telephone company, newspapers (such as The New York Times), and even the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The NYPD’s emergency lines were clogged for hours with complaints about the football game, diverting resources from genuine emergencies.
Media Outcry: The media quickly picked up on the story, and the Heidi Game became a national news item. Newspapers and television news programs reported on the incident, highlighting the fans’ outrage and criticizing NBC’s decision. The negative publicity further amplified the network’s misstep.
Public Discourse: The Heidi Game became a topic of widespread public discussion. Fans debated the merits of NBC’s decision, with most siding against the network. The incident was discussed in homes, workplaces, and sports bars across the country, solidifying its place in sports broadcasting history.
Threats and Protests: In some cases, the reaction went beyond mere complaints. NBC executives and programmers received threats from angry fans, and there were even organized protests outside NBC studios. While these extreme reactions were not representative of the majority, they underscored the intensity of the fans’ emotions.

The intensity of the reaction was fueled by several factors:

Importance of the Game: The Raiders-Jets game was a high-stakes matchup between two of the AFL’s top teams. Fans were invested in the outcome and felt cheated by missing the game’s dramatic conclusion.
Lack of Alternatives: In 1968, there were fewer options for watching live sports than there are today. Fans who missed the end of the game had no way to see it until the highlights were shown on the evening news.
Sense of Betrayal: Fans felt betrayed by NBC, which they believed had prioritized a movie over a live sporting event of significant importance. This sense of betrayal deepened the anger and frustration.

The fan reaction to the Heidi Game switch was a watershed moment in sports broadcasting history. It demonstrated the power of viewers’ expectations and the potential consequences of disrupting live sports coverage. The incident led to significant changes in broadcasting policies and underscored the importance of prioritizing live events.

A photo of football fans watching an intense game, similar to how fans were glued to their screens during the Raiders-Jets game.

The decision to switch to Heidi sparked immediate and widespread outrage among football fans. NBC’s switchboards were flooded, and the event was on national news. The outcry showed the importance of live sports and the potential impact of programming decisions.

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4. What Immediate Changes Did The Heidi Game Cause?

The Heidi Game had a profound impact on the policies and practices of sports broadcasting. The immediate aftermath of the incident led to several significant changes designed to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

Here’s a breakdown of the immediate changes that resulted from the Heidi Game:

NFL Broadcasting Rule: Perhaps the most significant change was the implementation of a new rule by the NFL. This rule mandated that all games must be broadcast to their conclusion in their local markets. This ensured that fans in the teams’ home cities would not miss the end of a game, regardless of its duration.
“Heidi Phone”: NBC, recognizing the communication breakdown that contributed to the switch, installed a dedicated phone line in the control room. This phone line, dubbed the “Heidi Phone,” was designed to have its own exchange and switchboard, ensuring that critical messages about game broadcasts would not be missed. The purpose of the “Heidi Phone” was to prevent a repeat of the communication failures that led to the Heidi Game switch.
Increased Awareness: The Heidi Game brought increased awareness of the importance of live sports coverage and the potential for conflicts between scheduled programming and live events. Networks became more sensitive to the expectations of sports fans and the need to prioritize live games.
Programming Adjustments: In the wake of the Heidi Game, networks began to adjust their programming strategies to accommodate the unpredictable nature of live sports. This included being more flexible with scheduled start times and having contingency plans in place for games that ran longer than expected.
Public Relations Efforts: NBC undertook a series of public relations efforts to repair its image and regain the trust of football fans. This included issuing apologies, explaining the circumstances that led to the switch, and highlighting the changes the network was making to prevent future incidents.

The Heidi Game served as a catalyst for change in the sports broadcasting industry. The new NFL rule and the “Heidi Phone” at NBC were tangible steps taken to address the issues that led to the switch. The increased awareness and programming adjustments reflected a broader shift in how networks approached live sports coverage.

These changes were not just symbolic; they had a practical impact on the way sports were broadcast. The NFL rule ensured that local fans would always see the end of a game, while the “Heidi Phone” provided a reliable communication channel for critical updates. The programming adjustments allowed networks to be more responsive to the needs of live sports, reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.

The Heidi Game was a turning point in sports broadcasting history. The immediate changes that followed the incident demonstrated the industry’s commitment to learning from its mistakes and prioritizing the viewing experience of sports fans.

An image of an old telephone switchboard, similar to the one that was overwhelmed by calls during the Heidi Game.

The NFL implemented a rule that all games be broadcast to their conclusion in their local markets and NBC installed the “Heidi Phone” to ensure critical messages were not missed. These steps demonstrated the commitment to prioritizing live sports and preventing similar issues.

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5. How Did The Heidi Game Impact Future Sports Broadcasting?

The Heidi Game’s impact on sports broadcasting extended far beyond the immediate changes that followed the incident. It served as a pivotal moment that influenced how sports are broadcast and viewed to this day. According to “The Heidi Game: The Most Infamous Missed Ending in NFL History” in Sports Illustrated, the game changed the way television networks handled live sports coverage and highlighted the importance of catering to fans’ expectations.

Here’s a detailed look at the lasting impact of the Heidi Game on future sports broadcasting:

Prioritization of Live Events: The Heidi Game underscored the importance of live sports to television viewers. Networks learned that fans place a high value on seeing games in their entirety, and that disrupting live coverage can lead to significant backlash. As a result, networks began to prioritize live events over scheduled programming, even if it meant making last-minute adjustments.
Flexibility in Programming: The incident highlighted the need for flexibility in programming schedules. Networks became more willing to deviate from their planned lineups to accommodate live sports events that ran longer than expected. This flexibility extended to other types of live events, such as news conferences and breaking news coverage.
Technological Advancements: The Heidi Game indirectly contributed to technological advancements in broadcasting. The communication breakdown that occurred during the game prompted networks to invest in more reliable communication systems, ensuring that critical messages could be delivered without fail. Additionally, the incident may have spurred the development of more sophisticated methods for managing live broadcasts and seamlessly switching between events.
Increased Fan Engagement: The Heidi Game led to a greater emphasis on fan engagement in sports broadcasting. Networks realized that fans were not just passive viewers but active participants in the sports experience. This led to the development of new ways to engage fans, such as interactive features, social media integration, and online streaming.
Legal and Contractual Changes: The Heidi Game prompted changes in the legal and contractual agreements between sports leagues and television networks. These agreements were revised to include provisions that protected the integrity of live game broadcasts and ensured that fans would not be deprived of seeing the conclusion of a game.
Cultural Impact: The Heidi Game became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing the passion and dedication of sports fans. The incident is still referenced today as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting viewer expectations and the potential consequences of disrupting live sports coverage.

The Heidi Game’s influence on sports broadcasting is undeniable. It helped shape the way live events are prioritized, programmed, and delivered to viewers. The incident served as a reminder that sports fans are a powerful force, and that their expectations must be taken seriously.

In the years since the Heidi Game, sports broadcasting has undergone a dramatic transformation. The rise of cable television, satellite broadcasting, and online streaming has given fans more options than ever before. However, the lessons learned from the Heidi Game remain relevant, underscoring the importance of prioritizing live events, being flexible with programming, and engaging with fans.

A modern sports broadcast setup, showcasing the technological advancements that have transformed the industry since the Heidi Game.

The game led to prioritization of live events, flexibility in programming, and technological advancements. The Heidi Game remains a cultural touchstone, highlighting the importance of respecting viewer expectations and the potential consequences of disrupting live sports coverage.

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6. What Was The Significance Of The Movie Heidi Itself?

The movie Heidi, which inadvertently became a central figure in the infamous “Heidi Game” incident, was a made-for-TV film based on the classic children’s novel of the same name by Johanna Spyri. The movie was significant for several reasons, both in its own right and in the context of the broadcasting controversy.

Here’s a look at the significance of the movie Heidi:

Classic Story: The story of Heidi is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed by generations of readers and viewers. The tale of a young orphan girl who goes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps is known for its heartwarming themes of family, friendship, and the beauty of nature.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: Heidi was considered a family-friendly movie that would appeal to a wide audience, particularly on a Sunday evening. NBC believed that broadcasting Heidi would attract a large viewership during the November sweeps, a crucial period for setting advertising rates.
Programming Strategy: NBC’s decision to broadcast Heidi was part of a broader programming strategy to offer a diverse range of content that would appeal to different demographics. The network aimed to balance its sports coverage with family-friendly entertainment, believing that this would maximize its overall viewership.
Inadvertent Controversy: Ironically, the movie Heidi became embroiled in controversy due to the decision to switch to it during the Raiders-Jets game. The movie itself was not the cause of the controversy, but it became forever linked to the incident, which overshadowed its own merits.
Cultural Symbol: The movie Heidi has become a cultural symbol of the Heidi Game incident. It is often referenced in discussions about sports broadcasting, programming decisions, and the importance of viewer expectations. The movie’s title has become shorthand for the idea of a programming decision that backfires spectacularly.

The movie Heidi was a significant piece of family-friendly entertainment that NBC hoped would attract a large audience. Its association with the Heidi Game incident has made it a cultural symbol of the challenges of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming.

In the context of the Heidi Game, the movie Heidi represents the programming decision that sparked the controversy. While the movie itself was not inherently problematic, its placement in the schedule and the decision to switch to it during a crucial moment in a live sports event led to widespread outrage.

The Heidi Game serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned programming decisions can have unintended consequences. It also highlights the importance of understanding viewer expectations and the potential impact of disrupting live events.

A movie poster for the film Heidi, which became infamous for its role in the Heidi Game incident.

The movie was a classic, family-friendly entertainment that NBC hoped would attract a large audience. However, its association with the Heidi Game incident has made it a cultural symbol of the challenges of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming.

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7. How Does The Heidi Game Relate To Modern Broadcasting Issues?

The Heidi Game, despite occurring in 1968, continues to resonate with modern broadcasting issues. The core themes of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming, respecting viewer expectations, and managing technological limitations remain relevant in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

Here’s how the Heidi Game relates to modern broadcasting issues:

Cord-Cutting and Streaming: The rise of cord-cutting and streaming services has created new challenges for broadcasters. With viewers increasingly able to choose what they watch and when they watch it, networks must compete for attention in a crowded marketplace. The Heidi Game serves as a reminder that viewers have high expectations and are quick to abandon content that does not meet their needs.
Social Media and Real-Time Reactions: Social media has amplified the impact of broadcasting decisions. Today, a mistake like the Heidi Game switch would be met with immediate and widespread criticism on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Broadcasters must be prepared to respond to real-time reactions and address any issues that arise quickly.
Overlapping Live Events: The proliferation of live sports events, from professional leagues to college competitions, has created more opportunities for scheduling conflicts. Broadcasters must carefully manage their programming to avoid overlapping events and ensure that viewers can watch the games they want to see.
Technological Glitches: Despite advancements in technology, glitches and technical difficulties still occur during live broadcasts. The Heidi Game serves as a reminder that even the most sophisticated systems are not immune to failure. Broadcasters must have contingency plans in place to address technical issues and minimize disruptions to the viewing experience.
Data Analytics and Viewer Preferences: Broadcasters now have access to vast amounts of data about viewer preferences. This data can be used to inform programming decisions and tailor content to specific audiences. However, the Heidi Game serves as a reminder that data is not always a perfect predictor of viewer behavior. Broadcasters must still rely on their own judgment and experience to make informed decisions.

The Heidi Game’s lessons remain relevant in the modern broadcasting environment. Broadcasters must prioritize live events, be flexible with programming, engage with fans, and be prepared to address technological challenges.

The Heidi Game serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting viewer expectations and the potential consequences of disrupting live sports coverage.

An image representing modern streaming services, highlighting the evolving landscape of broadcasting and viewer choices.

The core themes of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming, respecting viewer expectations, and managing technological limitations remain relevant in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

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8. What Are Some Similar Broadcasting Controversies Since The Heidi Game?

While the Heidi Game remains one of the most infamous broadcasting controversies, it is not the only instance of a network decision angering sports fans. Over the years, there have been several similar incidents where programming decisions or technical issues disrupted live sports coverage, leading to widespread criticism.

Here are some examples of similar broadcasting controversies since the Heidi Game:

The “Butt Fumble” Game (2012): During a nationally televised game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, NBC cut away from the game in the final minutes to show a local news report. This decision angered fans who wanted to see the conclusion of the game, which featured a memorable play known as the “Butt Fumble.”
The “Fail Mary” Game (2012): During a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers, a controversial call by replacement referees resulted in a game-winning touchdown for the Seahawks. However, many viewers missed the play due to a DirecTV error that caused the signal to cut out for several seconds.
The 2015 World Cup Final (Spanish Broadcast): In Spain, TVE cut away from the celebrations and trophy presentation following the 2015 Women’s World Cup final, drawing heavy criticism from viewers who wanted to see the Spanish team’s victory.
The 2018 Iron Bowl Overrun: In 2018, a college football game between Alabama and Auburn ran long, causing CBS to miss the start of its scheduled 60 Minutes program. This decision angered viewers who were looking forward to the news program.
Ongoing Issues with Streaming Quality: In recent years, there have been numerous complaints about the quality of streaming sports broadcasts. Viewers have reported issues such as buffering, lag, and low resolution, leading to frustration and criticism of the streaming services.

These incidents, like the Heidi Game, highlight the challenges of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming and technological limitations. They also underscore the importance of respecting viewer expectations and providing a reliable viewing experience.

While the specific circumstances of each controversy may differ, the underlying themes are consistent:

Viewers Value Live Sports: Sports fans place a high value on seeing live games in their entirety. Disrupting live coverage can lead to significant backlash.
Technology Can Fail: Even with advancements in technology, glitches and technical difficulties can still occur during live broadcasts.
Programming Decisions Matter: Programming decisions, such as cutting away from a game or missing the start of a scheduled program, can have a significant impact on viewer satisfaction.

The Heidi Game remains a cautionary tale for broadcasters, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing live events, being flexible with programming, and ensuring a reliable viewing experience.

An image depicting technical difficulties, a common cause of broadcasting controversies.

These incidents highlight the challenges of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming and technological limitations. They also underscore the importance of respecting viewer expectations and providing a reliable viewing experience.

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9. How Can Broadcasters Avoid Another “Heidi Game” Scenario?

To avoid another “Heidi Game” scenario, broadcasters must adopt a proactive and viewer-centric approach to programming and technology. This involves prioritizing live events, being flexible with schedules, investing in reliable technology, and engaging with fans.

Here are some specific steps broadcasters can take to prevent a similar incident from occurring:

Prioritize Live Events: Recognize that live sports events are highly valued by viewers and should be given priority over scheduled programming. Be willing to make last-minute adjustments to the schedule to accommodate games that run longer than expected.
Be Flexible with Programming: Develop a flexible programming strategy that allows for deviations from the planned lineup. Have contingency plans in place for games that run long or other unexpected events.
Invest in Reliable Technology: Ensure that your broadcasting technology is reliable and up-to-date. Invest in redundant systems and backup plans to minimize the risk of technical failures.
Improve Communication: Establish clear lines of communication between the control room, programming executives, and on-air talent. Use dedicated communication channels to ensure that critical messages are not missed.
Engage with Fans: Actively engage with fans on social media and other platforms. Solicit feedback on programming decisions and respond to concerns and complaints in a timely manner.
Monitor Real-Time Reactions: Monitor social media and other channels for real-time reactions to live broadcasts. Be prepared to address any issues that arise quickly and transparently.
Learn from Past Mistakes: Study past broadcasting controversies, including the Heidi Game, to identify common themes and lessons learned. Use this knowledge to inform future programming decisions.
Empower Decision-Makers: Empower the individuals in charge of making programming decisions to act decisively in the moment. Give them the authority to deviate from the schedule if necessary to ensure that viewers can see the conclusion of a live event.
Transparency and Apology: In the event of a disruption or controversy, be transparent with viewers about what happened and why. Issue a sincere apology if necessary and outline the steps being taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Regular Training and Drills: Conduct regular training and drills to prepare staff for unexpected events and technical difficulties. This will help ensure that everyone knows how to respond effectively in a crisis.

By adopting these strategies, broadcasters can minimize the risk of another “Heidi Game” scenario and ensure that viewers have a positive and engaging experience with live sports coverage.

An image of a modern broadcast control room, highlighting the technology and personnel involved in delivering live sports coverage.

Broadcasters must adopt a proactive and viewer-centric approach to programming and technology. This involves prioritizing live events, being flexible with schedules, investing in reliable technology, and engaging with fans.

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10. What Are Some Interesting Facts About The Heidi Game?

The Heidi Game is rich with interesting facts and anecdotes that add to its legendary status. Here are some notable details about the game and its aftermath:

Ten Future Hall of Famers: The game featured an incredible 10 future Hall of Fame players, including Jets quarterback Joe Namath and Raiders wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff. This concentration of talent underscores the significance of the game, regardless of the broadcasting controversy.
Overwhelmed Phone Lines: The phone lines at NBC were so overwhelmed with calls from angry viewers that the network’s switchboard actually blew. This underscores the intensity of the public’s reaction to the switch.
Calls to the NYPD: Frustrated fans, unable to reach NBC, began calling the New York City Police Department to complain about the game. The NYPD’s emergency lines were clogged for hours with complaints, diverting resources from genuine emergencies.
The “Heidi Phone”: NBC installed a dedicated phone line, dubbed the “Heidi Phone,” in the control room to ensure that critical messages about game broadcasts would not be missed. The phone had its own exchange and switchboard to prevent it from being overwhelmed by calls.
NFL Rule Change: The Heidi Game led to an immediate rule change by the NFL, guaranteeing that all games would be broadcast to their conclusion in their local markets.
Apologies and Explanations: In the aftermath of the game, NBC issued numerous apologies and explanations for the switch. The network took responsibility for the incident and outlined the steps it was taking to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Cultural Reference: The Heidi Game has become a cultural reference point, symbolizing the challenges of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming. The incident is still referenced today in discussions about broadcasting decisions and viewer expectations.
Movie’s Popularity Unaffected: Despite its association with the broadcasting controversy, the movie Heidi remained popular and continued to be broadcast on television for many years.
Raiders’ Comeback: The Raiders’ two touchdowns in the final nine seconds of the game were a remarkable comeback that would have been celebrated as one of the greatest in NFL history had they been seen by a national audience.
Lasting Impact on Broadcasting: The Heidi Game had a lasting impact on sports broadcasting, influencing how live events are prioritized, programmed, and delivered to viewers.

These facts and anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the Heidi Game and its significance in sports broadcasting history. The incident remains a reminder of the importance of respecting viewer expectations and the potential consequences of disrupting live sports coverage.

A photo of Joe Namath, the New York Jets’ quarterback, one of the Hall of Fame players who participated in the Heidi Game.

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FAQ About The Heidi Game

What exactly was the Heidi Game?

The Heidi Game was an American Football League (AFL) game on November 17, 1968, between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets, where NBC controversially switched its broadcast to the movie Heidi with just over a minute left in the game.
Why did NBC switch to the movie Heidi?

NBC had a contractual obligation to broadcast Heidi at 7:00 PM ET to capitalize on high ratings during November sweeps. The game ran longer than expected, but due to communication breakdowns, the switch was not delayed.
How did fans react to the Heidi Game switch?

Fans reacted with immediate and widespread outrage, flooding NBC’s switchboards with angry calls. Many also called newspapers, the telephone company, and even the New York City Police Department to complain.
What immediate changes resulted from the Heidi Game?

The NFL implemented a new rule guaranteeing that all games would be broadcast to their conclusion in their local markets. NBC installed a dedicated phone line, the “Heidi Phone,” to prevent future communication failures.
How did the Heidi Game impact future sports broadcasting?

The Heidi Game led to a greater prioritization of live events, increased flexibility in programming, and technological advancements to ensure reliable broadcasting. It also emphasized the importance of fan engagement.
What was the significance of the movie Heidi itself?

The movie Heidi was a family-friendly film that NBC believed would attract a large audience. However, it became a cultural symbol of the challenges of balancing live sports coverage with scheduled programming due to the controversy.
How does the Heidi Game relate to modern broadcasting issues?

The Heidi Game remains relevant to modern issues such as cord-cutting, social media reactions, overlapping live events, technological glitches, and the use of data analytics to understand viewer preferences.
What are some similar broadcasting controversies since the Heidi Game?

Similar controversies include the “Butt Fumble” game (2012), the “Fail Mary” game (2012), the 2015 World Cup Final (Spanish Broadcast), and the 2018 Iron Bowl overrun, all involving disruptions or programming decisions that angered sports fans.
How can broadcasters avoid another Heidi Game scenario?

Broadcasters can avoid similar incidents by prioritizing live events, being flexible with programming, investing in reliable technology, improving communication, engaging with fans, and monitoring real-time reactions.
What are some interesting facts about the Heidi Game?

The game featured ten future Hall of Fame players, overwhelmed phone lines, calls to the NYPD, the installation of the “Heidi Phone,” an NFL rule change, and a lasting impact on