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ESPN clearly has an east coast bias when covering college basketball. However, it isn't unprecedented. The Atlantic Coast Conference is always one of the toughest and most difficult conferences in college hoops. Not to mention it includes teams like Duke and UNC, who not only have some of the largest followings of fans, but also the largest followings of haters. Many basketball fans simply tune in to games with Duke or UNC to merely hope to see them lose.

Still, however, I can understand and sympathize with the people who do not appreciate with ESPN's constant coverage of the ACC and even SEC powerhouse teams. Even with UCLA ranked No.1 in the polls this season, the Bruins received little National coverage. One of the primary reasons, however, is the problematic time-zone difference. The prime-time airings of college basketball games usually occur at 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. This would be too early for college hoops on the west coast.

The main problem I have with ESPN's coverage is during the pre-season. The east coast preference simply isn't needed. There are always a handful of marquee match-ups that occur before conference play, and I find it extremely irritating when ESPN ignores these games and instead airs Duke versus UNC-Greensboro. THAT is simply not acceptable.

I also do not appreciate ESPN constantly having Dick Vitale announcing the Duke or UNC basketball games... it only increases the sense of bias in the fans' minds. An announcer should be objective, and Vitale often does not live up to this. It would be nice to hear a different perspective once in awhile when watching the ACC games.

In conclusion, yes, ESPN does indeed have an east coast bias and there could be improvements to their current system of choosing games to air. However, as long as fans continue to support and watch the east coast games, I find it hard to believe ESPN will ever change. Even I must admit I especially look forward to the UNC versus Duke games every year.

Learn more about this author, Julie Kent.
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