South Africans not afraid to blow their horns

To many soccer fans they are an annoyance and an irritant.

But South Africans insist the vuvuzela - a horn blown early, often and loudly at soccer matches - is part of the experience of watching games there.

TV executives are wary of the effect the background noise could have on World Cup telecasts, but they also are wary of meddling with local traditions.

"It is loud, and I will tell you it is louder in the venues themselves than on television,'' ESPN executive producer Jed Drake said. "But we will do everything in our electronic power to ensure our viewers always have the ability to hear Martin [Tyler] and his colleagues.''

John Skipper, ESPN executive VP for content, said: "I'm happy. Blow away."