ESPN will remove its “BottomLine” score ticker from college football broadcasts this season, a decision intended to simplify the viewing experience. The article’s author strongly criticises the move, arguing that the ticker is a valued part of college football tradition and makes it easier to follow other games without using a phone.

ESPN has already removed the ticker from some major live events, including College Football Playoff and NBA post-season coverage. While the author says most social-media reactions have supported the change because the ticker can be distracting, they contend it occupies only about 8% of the screen and that its removal reflects a wider loss of familiar broadcast traditions.