Navigating complex sports websites, visual brackets, and cluttered mobile apps can be frustrating for screen reader users. Fortunately, when it comes to live sports, the radio broadcast remains one of the most accessible ways to experience the action.
A great play-by-play announcer naturally describes everything happening on the court. The movement of players, the shot clock, the crowd reaction, and the momentum of the game are all communicated through sound.
With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament beginning soon, fans can follow the excitement of March Madness without relying on a screen. The tournament’s national radio coverage makes it possible to listen to every game using a smart speaker or streaming radio service.
National Radio Coverage
The official national radio broadcast of the NCAA Tournament is produced by Westwood One Sports. Their play-by-play coverage brings the tournament to radio stations and streaming platforms across the country.
Because radio broadcasters must clearly describe every play for listeners who cannot see the game, the radio broadcast provides an experience that works especially well for visually impaired listeners.
Listening Through Smart Speakers
Many smart speakers allow listeners to access tournament coverage through radio streaming services.
Devices such as the Amazon Echo Dot and the Sonos Era 100 can play live radio streams using voice commands or integrated radio services.
If your device supports the TuneIn service, you may be able to access stations carrying the tournament broadcast.
Example voice commands may include:
“Alexa, play NCAA basketball on TuneIn.”
“Alexa, play Westwood One Sports.”
“Alexa, play the [team name] basketball game.”
Exact commands can vary depending on the station carrying the broadcast in your region.
Listening on Apple Devices
Listeners using the Apple HomePod can stream radio broadcasts through supported radio apps or by casting audio from a mobile device using AirPlay.
Searching for Westwood One or NCAA Tournament coverage within radio streaming apps may help locate live game broadcasts.
Test Your Setup Before the Tournament Begins
The NCAA tournament schedule begins with the First Four games and continues through the Final Four championship weekend. Testing your smart speaker or radio app ahead of time can help ensure that your device is properly linked to the streaming service you plan to use.
For fans who prefer screen-free entertainment, radio remains one of the best ways to follow live sports. With the right setup, every moment of March Madness can be experienced through the theater of the mind.
Until next time, keep the audio accessible.