LONDON – Initially it seemed like the relentless Twitter-based gripes about NBC’s coverage might go down as a tipping point in the way the Olympics are presented to a television audience in future years.
The backlash about NBC’s decision to air last Friday’s Opening Ceremonies on tape delay was immediate, and it grew after NBC’s vaguely patronizing explanation that it was “too complex” to stream live online. NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, a.k.a. @swish41, summed up the Twitter consensus on his feed:
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My objection isn't to the tape delay - it's to the generally abysmal coverage. Besides the gaffes you've cited, they didn't show one of the rotations in the men's gymnastics individual final, they've shown very few non-U.S. gymnasts, the commentaary is even less informative and more inane than usual, and the discussions of social media are beyond lame (if I care what's on Twitter, I'll follow it myself).
Not only failing to broadcast in 'live-time' but there is lack of variety in the events shown on NBC? Who is making their choice of viewing content? There is too much swimming in prime time - enough swimming already.
Question. Other than Ryan Seacrest, who watches Ryan Seacrest for his sports knowledge or his interviewing skills? A total waste. VAPID!!! IMHO.
Hmmmmm let's see where else are Americans going to be able to watch Olympic coverage? It is a captive audience. And Mark Lazarus expressed exactly who was important to NBC when he said, ""The ratings are strong and our business partners are pleased." This isn't about producing quality coverage. It is about keeping business partners pleased. As an American expat living in Ireland I have never seen such high quality Olympic coverage as is being produced by the BBC. The target NBC should be shooting for is a quality product that pleases their audience and their advertisers -- but why bother when there is no competition. Chad I think you drank the NBC Kool-Aid.