When gruesome injuries happen, TV producers have to make tough calls on the fly

Television producers are always thinking on their feet during a live sporting event. It’s when unexpected developments happen — like a gruesome injury — when they’re forced to make really tough decisions on the fly. 

“There’s no real playbook per se,” longtime Canadian sports television producer Curtis Saville said Friday. “I think every situation is different. It needs a quick but careful consideration.” 

TSN played it safe Thursday when Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone broke his left leg in a 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver. He underwent successful surgery and has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

Assim Madibo tackled Kone from behind early in the second half. The 24-year-old fell to the ground and held his wobbly leg up in disbelief. 

Cameras briefly zoomed in during the live play, which resulted in a second Qatari red card. Producers on the domestic feed avoided replays and instead used live distance shots of the aftermath.

It wasn’t immediately clear if that was a deliberate editorial decision, or if TSN has guidelines regarding the use of replays of potentially serious injuries during live broadcasts. 

Messages left with TSN and Bell Media were not returned.

“You’ve got to be very sure of the decisions you’re making in the moment,” said Saville, who has worked for TSN, Sportsnet and the CBC over his career. “I think the most important thing for me would be just don’t rush it. There isn’t a rush. If the injury has happened and the player is down, you’re not about to get back to play-by-play any time soon. 

“So you have a moment or two to assess the situation, to look at what you can see from your own angles inside the truck and start making the correct decisions.”

Medics came out on the field to examine Kone while teammates crowded around him. Kone was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher before being sent to hospital.

Saville, who recently retired but still does consulting and freelance work, said his driving force as a producer was to always serve the audience, while keeping in mind that the athlete’s friends and family may be watching.

“I think as long as you’re considerate and you’re fair, generally your coverage will reflect that,” he said.

Kone was expected to rejoin the team once he’s released from hospital. Canada will close out its group-play schedule on Wednesday against Switzerland. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2026.