Scott Hanson addresses fan anger after NFL RedZone announces commercials

Scott Hanson, the longtime host of NFL RedZone, urged fans to temper their anger after the program announced it will carry a limited number of commercials this season.

In a video posted to X on Sept. 6, Hanson told viewers he pours everything he has into the program and that business decisions are not his to make. "I’m the host of the show, I put everything I’ve got into trying to be the best host I can possibly be for you," he said. "As for the business side of things, I have no control over that. I have no say in the business side of things."

Hanson outlined the specifics fans had questioned: RedZone will air four commercials of 15 seconds each, shown in a double-box display and positioned between plays. He emphasized that there will be no commercials during the "Witching Hour," the late-afternoon to early-evening stretch when RedZone traditionally concentrates on decisive game moments. Hanson also wrote that posting the video was his own decision and that, in his words, "Adding commercials was not a @Disney @espn decision."

Hanson reiterated his enthusiasm for showing as much live football as possible. "There is no one on the planet that wants to show you more football than I do," he said. "And if there is someone, I would love to meet him because we’d have something in common."

The announcement ended months of uncertainty and fan discussion about whether RedZone — long marketed as a commercial-free, live-action companion for NFL Sundays — would alter its format. The program, known for its rapid cuts among games and its focus on scoring and pivotal plays, has been a central part of many viewers' Sunday routines, particularly during the "Witching Hour," when multiple contests reach their conclusions.

Reaction on social media had been swift after reports that the service would include spots, with some long-time viewers expressing frustration that ads would interrupt the continuous flow of live game action. Hanson addressed that sentiment directly while stressing that he was not responsible for corporate decisions.

RedZone's decision to add a small number of brief commercial breaks represents a change in distribution and monetization for the franchise, which has operated without traditional advertising in its core presentation. Hanson’s clarification sought to explain how the ads will be limited in length and placement and to reassure viewers that the program’s game-focused approach will remain intact.

Hanson's comments came shortly before the first football Sunday of the season, as fans and subscribers prepared to test the revised RedZone experience. He closed his message by restating his commitment to delivering energetic, informative coverage and by asking for viewers' patience regarding decisions he said were made on the business side of the operation. The limited ad plan was set to take effect immediately, with the first set of abbreviated spots scheduled for the upcoming Sunday broadcast.