New Show from Versus to Feature Sports Fans Commentating via Webcam

Sports programmer, Versus, announced Monday that it will be launching a weekly half-hour show that will feature a constantly changing line-up of sports fans from across the US debating "the hottest topics in sports" via Webcam. Entitled "Fanarchy," hosted by Zach Selwyn, and set to debut Sunday, June 7th at 11:00PM Eastern (note: beginning June 16th, it will switch to a 10:30PM Tuesday slot), the show will present seven "very opinionated" sports fans who will appear on-air from their homes. "This show is for every armchair quarterback, sports superfan and maniacal critic who has either become your best friend or annoyed you at your local bar," host Selwyn said in a prepared statement. "This is a chance for fans with real opinions to stand up for their beliefs and let the fate of their unique preaching and soap-boxing be decided on television, in front of a national audience. Plus, it sure beats taking your shirt off at Lambeau Field in January."

According to Versus, host Selwyn will hand out awards during each episode to the show's Webcam commentators, ultimately presenting one of them with a grand prize consisting of a chance to launch "an unrestrained rant on the topic of their choosing." Each week, two participants who "can't keep up with the trash-talking of the other guests" will be eliminated and replaced, the company says, and the commentator who "displays the best combination of wit and wackiness" will be granted immunity from elimination for a week. Viewers can apply to become one of the show's Webcam guests by uploading a Webcam audition video on the show's Web site (versus.com/fanarchy). The site will also feature highlights from the show, information about each week's line-up of Webcam commentators, and an area where viewers can vote on which audition videos should be featured on the show (though the final decision will be made by the show's producers). "Launching original shows that complement our tremendous array of live sports offerings is a major initiative for the network," Versus president, Jamie Davis, said in a prepared statement. "On television, sports fans are typically relegated to the sideline when discussing the most pressing issues in sports, so in this new multiplatform era it's only fair to give them a seat at the table and the ability to be heard on 'Fanarchy.'"