I hate to do the proverbial network bashing, but last night's block of initial event coverage was just unfortunate. NBC has made an art of the tape delay sports coverage -- unfortunately, this art would not get hung in any gallery.
NBC has a long history of butchering tape delay events, and this Olympics will be no different. It was painful to watch the pairs short program. Next thing you know, they will throw commercials into the middle of the free programs. After all, 4.5 minutes of showing actual coverage seemed to be a stretch last night.
I don't mind them bopping around the different venues as if the coverage were live. But show me more actual coverage. Don't break to commercial after the performance, come back for the score, and then break away for commercial again.
I do like Bob Costas at least. And they have added some solid talent. Nice to see Mary Carillo on hand, Dick Button was calling the pairs (though Peggy Fleming is a much more comfortable foil for him than the awful Sandra Besick).
I just wanted a place to vent a little. I was not thrilled last night, but really wanted to see Hedrick's win and the pairs competition. Not surprisingly those events were late in the evening.
Full Version: NBC's Coverage
NBC in general, in my opinion, has some of the WORST sports television coverage of any events that are of international interest.
I remember in the 1996 Olympics when there was a delayed coverage of the Women's gymnastics event. I thought it was horrendous.
I don't even bother to watch NBC anymore- I watch the CBC coverage. They present a more balanced international flavor to the events and the athletes. NBC is so pro-American that I get the feeling that no-one else matters.
I think that NBC needs a lot of work if they want to continue to be the network to carry the coverage... new ideas and people...
I remember in the 1996 Olympics when there was a delayed coverage of the Women's gymnastics event. I thought it was horrendous.
I don't even bother to watch NBC anymore- I watch the CBC coverage. They present a more balanced international flavor to the events and the athletes. NBC is so pro-American that I get the feeling that no-one else matters.
I think that NBC needs a lot of work if they want to continue to be the network to carry the coverage... new ideas and people...
(Parenthetical remark: Commentator Jim Lampley is looking My-T-Fine. {cough}daddy lust{cough} Ok, he has a cheesy smile, but I'm just sayin'. Bet he looks great naked. Ahem, well -- now back to our regular programming...)
WOW! Really a case of to each his own... Jim Lampley gives me the creeps worse than Katie Couric. Listening to him interview or give commentary [to me] is akin to fingernails on a chalkboard...... ditto to Al Trautwig
QUOTE
kick:
NBC is so pro-American that I get the feeling that no-one else matters.
I think that NBC needs a lot of work if they want to continue to be the network to carry the coverage... new ideas and people...
Considering that NBC is an American network, my guess is if they provided truly balanced coverage they'd be accused of being anti-American.NBC is so pro-American that I get the feeling that no-one else matters.
I think that NBC needs a lot of work if they want to continue to be the network to carry the coverage... new ideas and people...
And NBC already has the rights for the next few Olympics locked up, I believe. They stepped up in the only department that matters: money. They don't decide who gets the Olympics based on who would do the best work. They decide it based on who's willing to pay the most for the rights.
I'm talking about with the sound off. wink
Yeah, unfortunately money does win out in these cases.
And I was saying that even looking at Jim Lampley is not much- he just has the all-around ick factor to me- but I understand how some could find him attractive.
And I was saying that even looking at Jim Lampley is not much- he just has the all-around ick factor to me- but I understand how some could find him attractive.
QUOTE
fenwayguy:
(Parenthetical remark: Commentator Jim Lampley is looking My-T-Fine. {cough}daddy lust{cough} Ok, he has a cheesy smile, but I'm just sayin'. Bet he looks great naked. Ahem, well -- now back to our regular programming...)
Jim USED to look good, but God, has he aged--and not very well. The guy's got more wrinkles than a piece of rolled up tin foil.
(Parenthetical remark: Commentator Jim Lampley is looking My-T-Fine. {cough}daddy lust{cough} Ok, he has a cheesy smile, but I'm just sayin'. Bet he looks great naked. Ahem, well -- now back to our regular programming...)
I remember when Jim Lampley used to work for HBO for the Wimbledon coverage. I haven't liked him since then either...
Ok, well, he has really good hair.
QUOTE
charliecstl:
I hate to do the proverbial network bashing, but last night's block of initial event coverage was just unfortunate. NBC has made an art of the tape delay sports coverage -- unfortunately, this art would not get hung in any gallery.
NBC has a long history of butchering tape delay events, and this Olympics will be no different. It was painful to watch the pairs short program. Next thing you know, they will throw commercials into the middle of the free programs. After all, 4.5 minutes of showing actual coverage seemed to be a stretch last night.
I don't mind them bopping around the different venues as if the coverage were live. But show me more actual coverage. Don't break to commercial after the performance, come back for the score, and then break away for commercial again.
I do like Bob Costas at least. And they have added some solid talent. Nice to see Mary Carillo on hand, Dick Button was calling the pairs (though Peggy Fleming is a much more comfortable foil for him than the awful Sandra Besick).
I just wanted a place to vent a little. I was not thrilled last night, but really wanted to see Hedrick's win and the pairs competition. Not surprisingly those events were late in the evening.
The coverage isn't that great, that's true. There are a lot of commercials. And if NBC wants to keep the results secret, they wouldn't give them out on their own network news hours before the event airs. But what really drives me crazy is how say Finland can win the event, but they'll rush to talk to the American who placed 12th. I mean, I'd like to see the USA win, but if they don't, I want to hear from the winner, no matter what country they come from. Their success is just as valid as anyone elses.I hate to do the proverbial network bashing, but last night's block of initial event coverage was just unfortunate. NBC has made an art of the tape delay sports coverage -- unfortunately, this art would not get hung in any gallery.
NBC has a long history of butchering tape delay events, and this Olympics will be no different. It was painful to watch the pairs short program. Next thing you know, they will throw commercials into the middle of the free programs. After all, 4.5 minutes of showing actual coverage seemed to be a stretch last night.
I don't mind them bopping around the different venues as if the coverage were live. But show me more actual coverage. Don't break to commercial after the performance, come back for the score, and then break away for commercial again.
I do like Bob Costas at least. And they have added some solid talent. Nice to see Mary Carillo on hand, Dick Button was calling the pairs (though Peggy Fleming is a much more comfortable foil for him than the awful Sandra Besick).
I just wanted a place to vent a little. I was not thrilled last night, but really wanted to see Hedrick's win and the pairs competition. Not surprisingly those events were late in the evening.
Anthony
Which is why I love the CBC's coverage of the Olympics. While they definately show a lot of Canadians (I mean you have to considering it's a Canadian Network funded by our tax dollars), they focus on ALL nations and ALL events. It's so well balanced...best coverage out there by far!
People, it could be worse! They could be showing snow beach volleyball with Misty May running around in a thong thrusting her ass at the camera when she "digs" for the ball.
Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
As far as too many commercials are concerned. There are no more commercials in a given hour of Olympic coverage than there are during a given hour of Prime Time programming.
Some people will never be happy.
As far as too many commercials are concerned. There are no more commercials in a given hour of Olympic coverage than there are during a given hour of Prime Time programming.
Some people will never be happy.
With no medals for Kwan, who's out altogether, or for Bode Miller or Anton Ono, NBC is not too happy, I think. This morning on the radio it was reported that NBC has asked Kwan to join them in the booth for figure skating coverage. She explained that they had been hounding her for over a month to do this, but she has repeatedly said no.
I don't get the bitching about covering U.S. athletes. As CU said, they're an American network, so it makes sense to give a little more coverage to the U.S.
And for the last 2 days, I've been watching a different Olympics than some of you, I guess. I haven't seen this blatant bias towards covering American athletes. I think this is an obvious point, but I'll make it anyway: it's tough to interview non-English speaking athletes. The Europeans are very strong in many of the winter sports, so it's safe to assume that some of the winners don't speak English, or not very well with a thick accent. Not much point in interviewing someone you can't understand.
And for the last 2 days, I've been watching a different Olympics than some of you, I guess. I haven't seen this blatant bias towards covering American athletes. I think this is an obvious point, but I'll make it anyway: it's tough to interview non-English speaking athletes. The Europeans are very strong in many of the winter sports, so it's safe to assume that some of the winners don't speak English, or not very well with a thick accent. Not much point in interviewing someone you can't understand.
I don't think anyone minds seeing the American athletes. The problem is some of the competitions focus on the US athletes almost to the exclusion of other countries, and certainly out of proportion to their importance to the event itself. Also, I'd love to see the reactions of non-US athletes at their medal ceremonies, but it seems like unless the "Star Spangled Banner" is playing, or a US athlete who was expected to get gold suddenly has to settle for silver or bronze, we don't get to see that. As for the athletes not being able to speak English, the fact is many of them have foreign language skills that put the typical American to shame. Many of these athletes come from Western European or Scandinavian countries, where bilingualism or trilingualism is a required element in their educational systems, and they speak more than passable English. If they don't NBC could easily use a translator.
[ February 13, 2006, 08:53 AM: Message edited by: Munson Man ]
[ February 13, 2006, 08:53 AM: Message edited by: Munson Man ]
I'm learning so much today. We want: less commercials, more coverage of medal ceremonies, and more interviews.
Personally, I want more coverage of the events. That's what it's all about. I don't want to watch an interview requiring an interpreter, so I can hear the typical "I just had to step it up today" comments in a different language. Nor do I want to watch an interview where the athlete should be ecstatic and celebrating, but instead NBC is shoving a camera in their face and asking, "how do you feel?". Give me 10 more minutes of actual sports and skip the medal ceremonies and interviews.
Personally, I want more coverage of the events. That's what it's all about. I don't want to watch an interview requiring an interpreter, so I can hear the typical "I just had to step it up today" comments in a different language. Nor do I want to watch an interview where the athlete should be ecstatic and celebrating, but instead NBC is shoving a camera in their face and asking, "how do you feel?". Give me 10 more minutes of actual sports and skip the medal ceremonies and interviews.
QUOTE
Munson Man:
As for the athletes not being able to speak English, the fact is many of them have foreign language skills that put the typical American to shame. Many of these athletes come from Western European or Scandinavian countries, where bilingualism or trilingualism is a required element in their educational systems, and they speak more than passable English. If they don't NBC could easily use a translator.
NBC tried to interview the French gentleman that won the downhill. It was a painful waste of time, as he hadn't nearly a clue what the interviewer, Lewis Johnson, was asking him.
As for the athletes not being able to speak English, the fact is many of them have foreign language skills that put the typical American to shame. Many of these athletes come from Western European or Scandinavian countries, where bilingualism or trilingualism is a required element in their educational systems, and they speak more than passable English. If they don't NBC could easily use a translator.
One thing I like about the coverage is the graphic that announces (as an example) "Women's 3000 speedskating coming up in 14 minutes" so a viewer knows when a preferred event will be televised. I wish NBC would provide a schedule of events at the start of their daily coverage.
The focus on US athletes doesn't bother me that much, or perhaps I've gotten used to it over the years, especially since the announcers focus on the non-US athletes who are favored to medal, as in the men's single luge, where NBC did a feature on Italian Armin Zoeggeler. What I'm dreading are the "up close and personal" human interest stories that invariably accompany the figure skating. I don't want to know how some skater's aunt Maude is in Torino despite undergoing chemotherapy just two months back or what stuffed animals the ice pixies brought from home!
~Adam
The focus on US athletes doesn't bother me that much, or perhaps I've gotten used to it over the years, especially since the announcers focus on the non-US athletes who are favored to medal, as in the men's single luge, where NBC did a feature on Italian Armin Zoeggeler. What I'm dreading are the "up close and personal" human interest stories that invariably accompany the figure skating. I don't want to know how some skater's aunt Maude is in Torino despite undergoing chemotherapy just two months back or what stuffed animals the ice pixies brought from home!
~Adam
Watching the Fin/Swiss womesn hockey game right now. Very entertaining to say the least. Finns have a 1-0 lead, but Swiss have had several good chances. All it would take for them is one little goal, and lookout!!!
I think the Fins will be a tired bunch just in time for the US Womens matchup tomorrow.
The officiating again has been wildly uneven in my opinion. Especially yesterday during the US/German hockey game when they seemed delighted to call way to many 5 on 3's for Germany. Way too lopsided. :mad:
I think the Fins will be a tired bunch just in time for the US Womens matchup tomorrow.
The officiating again has been wildly uneven in my opinion. Especially yesterday during the US/German hockey game when they seemed delighted to call way to many 5 on 3's for Germany. Way too lopsided. :mad:
Like it really mattered. The US women outshot the Germans something like 60 to 10.
No Joe, true,it didn't, but there is some talk widely circulated that the officiating has been wildly uneven so far. I would concur.
Regarding the biased covereage by NBC of US athletes, as many posters have commented, it is a US network and they do have to maintain ratings to help pay for the expensive broadcast rights they pay to the IOC.
What will help is for other international networks to sign up for broadcast rights to the games. This is a goal of the IOC and will help diversify the coverage of the Olympics.
As far as knowing what's coming up in the broadcasts you can always go to the NBC website and get the TV listing for the day or any day of the Olympics.
Personally I think NBC is doing a great job supplementing the pool coverage provided by TOBO with some of the techniques mentioned above. Yes, I get a little tired of the countless "personal" stories but it does provide a little insight to how some of these athletes got to Torino to start with. Who would have ever known that a kid from Texas could win a gold medal in speed skating if they didn't know he started as an inline skater and crossed over.
What will help is for other international networks to sign up for broadcast rights to the games. This is a goal of the IOC and will help diversify the coverage of the Olympics.
As far as knowing what's coming up in the broadcasts you can always go to the NBC website and get the TV listing for the day or any day of the Olympics.
Personally I think NBC is doing a great job supplementing the pool coverage provided by TOBO with some of the techniques mentioned above. Yes, I get a little tired of the countless "personal" stories but it does provide a little insight to how some of these athletes got to Torino to start with. Who would have ever known that a kid from Texas could win a gold medal in speed skating if they didn't know he started as an inline skater and crossed over.
The NBC website listings are terrible. You can request the listings by day, but only showing one network at a time. Or you can look at the listings for all of the networks, but the screen only shows two hours at a time, so you have to keep clicking to find everything, since NBC has mostly prime-time, while their other networks have daytime coverage.
In my newspaper each day is the full day's schedule, on all the networks. That's what should be available online as well.
In my newspaper each day is the full day's schedule, on all the networks. That's what should be available online as well.
I agree, Joe. I'm getting pissed trying to find an event's time, and when I do, trying to find on which channel it's being broadcast is a pain in the ass. Thank God I can tell my TIVO to look for "curling" or anything else I want. Up popped a bunch of showings this way.
QUOTE
coyoteugly:
Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
I couldn't disagree more and I'd like to know the reason why you feel this. I'd rather hear from the guy or girl who stepped up to the plate and won has to say, though I realize the language barrier does make it impossible at times. And, it's an American broadcast network and the coverage will naturally be slanted. But I think it's a bit much and in your face and it gets worse with every Olympics. For example, I was surprised when on tonight's figure skating, the focus stayed where it should be, with the winners, none of whom were Americans. I think the Chinese pairs team, one of whom had a bad fall, actually came back to win the silver were the story of the night, even more than the Russians who won the gold. That was amazing and that sort of triumph should be celebrated, no matter what country you hail from. It's unfortunate that many Americans can't appreciate excellence shown by other countries.Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
Anthony
QUOTE
I think the Chinese pairs team, one of whom had a bad fall, actually came back to win the silver were the story of the night, even more than the Russians who won the gold. That was amazing and that sort of triumph should be celebrated, no matter what country you hail from. It's unfortunate that many Americans can't appreciate excellence shown by other countries.
I feel odd defending NBC, but we saw a long feature on the Russian pair and the Chinese coach and they totally focused on the Chinese team whose female member crashed. And they closed by showing the entire Russian national anthem for the pairs winners. The coverage was not pro-American for this event.
QUOTE
MIB:
I agree, Joe. I'm getting pissed trying to find an event's time, and when I do, trying to find on which channel it's being broadcast is a pain in the ass.
This is exactly what I want. Hey NBC, you can learn a thing or two from Yahoo!I agree, Joe. I'm getting pissed trying to find an event's time, and when I do, trying to find on which channel it's being broadcast is a pain in the ass.
Edit to add: news on the ratings:
QUOTE
Sunday, ABC's entire regular primetime schedule attracted more 18-to-49-year olds than the Olympics, the network reported. It's the first time Sunday-night Winter Olympic competition has lost in the demographic ratings most desired by advertisers since at least 1988.
Quoting Nielsen Media Research, ABC said Desperate Housewives (9 p.m.) and Grey's Anatomy (10 p.m.) attracted more total viewers than the Olympics, with Anatomy, which is becoming an even bigger hit than Housewives, topping the Olympics by more than four million viewers.
Quoting Nielsen Media Research, ABC said Desperate Housewives (9 p.m.) and Grey's Anatomy (10 p.m.) attracted more total viewers than the Olympics, with Anatomy, which is becoming an even bigger hit than Housewives, topping the Olympics by more than four million viewers.
[ February 14, 2006, 03:03 AM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
QUOTE
Jim at Outsports:
Which is as it should be. My point was that to my surprise, they remembered where the story really was, which many times they don't in order to spotlight the US athletes at all and any cost. There's no need to defend NBC, I wasn't criticizing them in their coverage of this particular event.QUOTE
I think the Chinese pairs team, one of whom had a bad fall, actually came back to win the silver were the story of the night, even more than the Russians who won the gold. That was amazing and that sort of triumph should be celebrated, no matter what country you hail from. It's unfortunate that many Americans can't appreciate excellence shown by other countries.
I feel odd defending NBC, but we saw a long feature on the Russian pair and the Chinese coach and they totally focused on the Chinese team whose female member crashed. And they closed by showing the entire Russian national anthem for the pairs winners. The coverage was not pro-American for this event. Anthony
QUOTE
Joe in Philly:
The NBC website listings are terrible. You can request the listings by day, but only showing one network at a time. Or you can look at the listings for all of the networks, but the screen only shows two hours at a time, so you have to keep clicking to find everything, since NBC has mostly prime-time, while their other networks have daytime coverage.
Before the Olympics I went to the NBC site and configured it to fit my personal interests. Part of that was providing my location and sports interests. When I go to the TV listings I get a comprehensive view showing all the programs for a day over all the NBC channels on my cable provider. Regarding the navigation by time, there is a drop down right under the link for "2 hrs back" that let's you pick your viewing time. Personally I don't have more than 2 hours to watch the Olympics per day so that's a realistic block.The NBC website listings are terrible. You can request the listings by day, but only showing one network at a time. Or you can look at the listings for all of the networks, but the screen only shows two hours at a time, so you have to keep clicking to find everything, since NBC has mostly prime-time, while their other networks have daytime coverage.
It's working great for me. Guess I'm not in the NBC bashing camp. If ABC or CBS had the rights we'd probably be bashing them too.
[ February 14, 2006, 04:32 AM: Message edited by: RBear78240 ]
QUOTE
Anthony D. Langford:
Because every Olympic athlete, their parents, their families, and their communities, who may have worked, trained and paid out of their own pockets for this moment all their life, and for some it will be their only moment, DESERVE and have EARNED coverage from their nation’s television network.
QUOTE
coyoteugly:
Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
I couldn't disagree more and I'd like to know the reason why you feel this.Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
QUOTE
coyoteugly:
Interesting. Ah well, we'll just have to disagree to disagree.QUOTE
Anthony D. Langford:
Because every Olympic athlete, their parents, their families, and their communities, who may have worked, trained and paid out of their own pockets for this moment all their life, and for some it will be their only moment, DESERVE and have EARNED coverage from their nation’s television network. QUOTE
coyoteugly:
Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
I couldn't disagree more and I'd like to know the reason why you feel this.Umm, isn't NBC an American broadcast network? I have no problem with them showing the American that finishes 12th. In fact, every American athlete, regardless of where they finish, deserves coverage.
Anthony
QUOTE
RBear78240:
Before the Olympics I went to the NBC site and configured it to fit my personal interests. Part of that was providing my location and sports interests. When I go to the TV listings I get a comprehensive view showing all the programs for a day over all the NBC channels on my cable provider. Regarding the navigation by time, there is a drop down right under the link for \"2 hrs back\" that let's you pick your viewing time. Personally I don't have more than 2 hours to watch the Olympics per day so that's a realistic block.
It's working great for me. Guess I'm not in the NBC bashing camp. If ABC or CBS had the rights we'd probably be bashing them too.
The fact that their website's schedule isn't what I want doesn't make it NBC-bashing. I'm happy it works for you, but I want a simple listing showing all the events being televised each day, on all the channels, on one page, without having to click through hour-by-hour or network-by-network. Fortunately, I found it on Yahoo.
Before the Olympics I went to the NBC site and configured it to fit my personal interests. Part of that was providing my location and sports interests. When I go to the TV listings I get a comprehensive view showing all the programs for a day over all the NBC channels on my cable provider. Regarding the navigation by time, there is a drop down right under the link for \"2 hrs back\" that let's you pick your viewing time. Personally I don't have more than 2 hours to watch the Olympics per day so that's a realistic block.
It's working great for me. Guess I'm not in the NBC bashing camp. If ABC or CBS had the rights we'd probably be bashing them too.
QUOTE
Jim at Outsports:
I agree with you and am frankly surprised to be praising NBC for its coverage of the pairs skating. I'm not an avid fan of figure skating and had wondered how the Chinese teams had become such strong rivals to the (always strong) Russian teams. The NBC feature on the coach helped to explain that.QUOTE
I think the Chinese pairs team, one of whom had a bad fall, actually came back to win the silver were the story of the night, even more than the Russians who won the gold. That was amazing and that sort of triumph should be celebrated, no matter what country you hail from. It's unfortunate that many Americans can't appreciate excellence shown by other countries.
I feel odd defending NBC, but we saw a long feature on the Russian pair and the Chinese coach and they totally focused on the Chinese team whose female member crashed. And they closed by showing the entire Russian national anthem for the pairs winners. The coverage was not pro-American for this event. ~Adam
One hour before the US Womens hockey game against the Finns. Lets go Ladies, do your thing!!!! Go USA!
Just took a look at a story os msnbc.com, a question they asked, who has been the biggest flop of the Olympics so far for the US. The winner, by a landslide so far is Bode Miller. 2nd place belongs to Michelle Kwan.
Just took a look at a story os msnbc.com, a question they asked, who has been the biggest flop of the Olympics so far for the US. The winner, by a landslide so far is Bode Miller. 2nd place belongs to Michelle Kwan.
[quote]coyoteugly:
[/quote]Because every Olympic athlete, their parents, their families, and their communities, who may have worked, trained and paid out of their own pockets for this moment all their life, and for some it will be their only moment, DESERVE and have EARNED coverage from their nation’s television network. [/QB][/QUOTE]
NBC is not "their nation's television network." That would be the CBC, or BBC, or similar entity. The only thing close to a "nation's television network" in this country would be PBS. If PBS were covering the games and focusing solely on Americans it would be entirely appropriate. But NBC is not PBS - it's a corporation that paid the IOC a fee for the right to broadcast the games, with the games constituting all athletes in all sports.
That said, I agree with Jim - the coverage of the pairs skating last night was very well-done, and it was great to learn more about the Chinese pair and their training methods, and to see the relief and emotion the Russians felt at winning the gold.
[/quote]Because every Olympic athlete, their parents, their families, and their communities, who may have worked, trained and paid out of their own pockets for this moment all their life, and for some it will be their only moment, DESERVE and have EARNED coverage from their nation’s television network. [/QB][/QUOTE]
NBC is not "their nation's television network." That would be the CBC, or BBC, or similar entity. The only thing close to a "nation's television network" in this country would be PBS. If PBS were covering the games and focusing solely on Americans it would be entirely appropriate. But NBC is not PBS - it's a corporation that paid the IOC a fee for the right to broadcast the games, with the games constituting all athletes in all sports.
That said, I agree with Jim - the coverage of the pairs skating last night was very well-done, and it was great to learn more about the Chinese pair and their training methods, and to see the relief and emotion the Russians felt at winning the gold.
Let me re-phrase for those of you unable to read between the lines:
Because every American Olympic athlete, their parents, their families, and their communities, who may have worked, trained and paid out of their own pockets for this moment all their life, and for some it will be their only moment, DESERVE and have EARNED coverage from their nation’s television network.
Edited to add the word "American", which should be painfully obvious to most of you, but for others ??
[ February 14, 2006, 11:01 AM: Message edited by: coyoteugly ]
Because every American Olympic athlete, their parents, their families, and their communities, who may have worked, trained and paid out of their own pockets for this moment all their life, and for some it will be their only moment, DESERVE and have EARNED coverage from their nation’s television network.
Edited to add the word "American", which should be painfully obvious to most of you, but for others ??
[ February 14, 2006, 11:01 AM: Message edited by: coyoteugly ]
The point I made, and it's in black and white, no "reading between the lines" needed, is that NBC is NOT the national TV network. There is no such thing in this country.
I think you're just here to start an argument. I'll give you your little point of semantics Comrade, but you and I (as well as most everyone else) both know exactly what I was trying to say.
And in no way did I call NBC the "national" TV network. That's you, trying to re-construct what I wrote.
[ February 14, 2006, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: coyoteugly ]
And in no way did I call NBC the "national" TV network. That's you, trying to re-construct what I wrote.
[ February 14, 2006, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: coyoteugly ]
M&M, not to side with CU on this one.
But you are a tad bit crazy and totally offbase.
No one (except you and the 2 others) cares about Sven from Swissville winning something.
I'd rather see a story about a kid who worked hard to get there from our country. Then root for him trying to do it. But hey, i've been known to love my country..
But you are a tad bit crazy and totally offbase.
No one (except you and the 2 others) cares about Sven from Swissville winning something.
I'd rather see a story about a kid who worked hard to get there from our country. Then root for him trying to do it. But hey, i've been known to love my country..
QUOTE
PhillyFan:
But hey, i've been known to love my country..
Careful there, PF, or that Illini kid will pop in and tell you just how bad America is and how much "better" European countries are in general (at least 12 of them). But hey, i've been known to love my country..
Disclaimer of the day, from broadcasters Mike Emrick and AJ Mleczko (who was on the women's team in 1998 and 2002) during the USA-Finland women's hockey game:
Emrick: "At times we have used the words 'a man short' or 'a defenseman' or 'too many men on the ice.' These are just hockey terms that have been honored by women's hockey, too. We are not doing anything in gender violation here."
Mleczko: "I think that speaks to how many of these women grow up playing men's hockey, don't get insulted by it, and the term 'woman,' 'defensewoman,' 'too many women on the ice' is just a bit cumbersome."
They grow up playing "men's hockey"? Not just "hockey"? On the other hand, seeing as how they're not allowed to bodycheck, of course, these women aren't playing "men's" hockey. wink
Emrick: "At times we have used the words 'a man short' or 'a defenseman' or 'too many men on the ice.' These are just hockey terms that have been honored by women's hockey, too. We are not doing anything in gender violation here."
Mleczko: "I think that speaks to how many of these women grow up playing men's hockey, don't get insulted by it, and the term 'woman,' 'defensewoman,' 'too many women on the ice' is just a bit cumbersome."
They grow up playing "men's hockey"? Not just "hockey"? On the other hand, seeing as how they're not allowed to bodycheck, of course, these women aren't playing "men's" hockey. wink
I don't think Munson Man is crazy. I'd rather see and hear the best stories and see the best performances than hear and see coverage that is dominated by or skewed to a lackluster U.S. performance. Sometimes networks have really messed up their coverage by feeding into the kind of I-am-the-world attitude that feeds resentment towards the U.S. This is an international event after all, that's the whole point of it. "Sven from Sweden" -- or in the case of last night, the Russian and Chinese pairs -- can be more successful and more interesting.
Of course we're going to give special attention to some U.S. athletes, and root for them (though I can't help but notice that some of the folks who want more U.S. coverage can be the harshest critics of the U.S. athletes). Ignoring sports because America doesn't figure in them, or deciding you like one athlete more than another simply because they're American -- that's the kind of patriotism I'm not wild about, especially in this era.
Of course we're going to give special attention to some U.S. athletes, and root for them (though I can't help but notice that some of the folks who want more U.S. coverage can be the harshest critics of the U.S. athletes). Ignoring sports because America doesn't figure in them, or deciding you like one athlete more than another simply because they're American -- that's the kind of patriotism I'm not wild about, especially in this era.
QUOTE
Joe in Philly:
Disclaimer of the day, from broadcasters Mike Emrick and AJ Mleczko (who was on the women's team in 1998 and 2002) during the USA-Finland women's hockey game:
Emrick: \"At times we have used the words 'a man short' or 'a defenseman' or 'too many men on the ice.' These are just hockey terms that have been honored by women's hockey, too. We are not doing anything in gender violation here.\"
Mleczko: \"I think that speaks to how many of these women grow up playing men's hockey, don't get insulted by it, and the term 'woman,' 'defensewoman,' 'too many women on the ice' is just a bit cumbersome.\"
They grow up playing \"men's hockey\"? Not just \"hockey\"? On the other hand, seeing as how they're not allowed to bodycheck, of course, these women aren't playing \"men's\" hockey. wink
Title IX! Don't ya just love it! Disclaimer of the day, from broadcasters Mike Emrick and AJ Mleczko (who was on the women's team in 1998 and 2002) during the USA-Finland women's hockey game:
Emrick: \"At times we have used the words 'a man short' or 'a defenseman' or 'too many men on the ice.' These are just hockey terms that have been honored by women's hockey, too. We are not doing anything in gender violation here.\"
Mleczko: \"I think that speaks to how many of these women grow up playing men's hockey, don't get insulted by it, and the term 'woman,' 'defensewoman,' 'too many women on the ice' is just a bit cumbersome.\"
They grow up playing \"men's hockey\"? Not just \"hockey\"? On the other hand, seeing as how they're not allowed to bodycheck, of course, these women aren't playing \"men's\" hockey. wink
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coyoteugly:
I think you're just here to start an argument. I'll give you your little point of semantics Comrade, but you and I (as well as most everyone else) both know exactly what I was trying to say.
And in no way did I call NBC the \"national\" TV network. That's you, trying to re-construct what I wrote.
Oh, brother, get off the cross. I disagreed with you. Get over it. It's a forum for posting opinions. Sometimes people will have a different opinion from you. Such is life. I realize you have a different opinion. That's what it's all about.......
I think you're just here to start an argument. I'll give you your little point of semantics Comrade, but you and I (as well as most everyone else) both know exactly what I was trying to say.
And in no way did I call NBC the \"national\" TV network. That's you, trying to re-construct what I wrote.
So the Olympics are not pulling in the ratings, and PTI and Around The Horn were saying it's because Kwan is out and Bode is done, etc. But I think it's the style of coverage--putting two skaters on early in the evening and then doling the others out throughout the next four hours-ridiculous. I simply lose interest and have just turned of the television. And skaters are just an example. I would rather see one event all the way through, even edited, but finish with one before going to another--I mean it is delayed anyway.
From the TV critic in the Phila. Daily News:
[ February 16, 2006, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
QUOTE
Jumping in and out of NBC's coverage over the past several days, I've found that if you're not willing to put in the 3 1/2 hours a night to see all that NBC chooses to show you in prime time, you're going to be punished with a fragmented viewing experience, thanks to scheduling that seems aimed at keeping anyone from leaving the room, lest they miss the one or two events they're really interested in.
OK, so I'm glad I managed to stay up late enough Monday night to see the last Chinese figure-skating pair, Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao. Their astonishing performance, after Zhang Hao accidentally flung Zhang Dan to the ice as they tried to perform a throw quadruple Salchow, resulted in both a silver medal and one of those goosebumps viewing experiences I'll long remember.
Of course, I'd have remembered it just as well earlier in the evening. And not having been able to plan my evening around the only event I cared about that night, I nearly went to bed and missed it.
Given that none of this is live, the timing would seem to be entirely up to NBC, which rations out show-stoppers like Bode Miller and the figure-skating competitions in such a way that it's impossible, even using the TV listings at NBCOlympics .com, to know exactly, or even approximately, when a particular athlete or event will be featured.
Say what you like about \"Idol,\" but it's not yet demanding 3 1/2 hours a night to hear one or two halfway decent singers.
Other than the hockey games, I've watched very little of the Olympics so far, and I don't anticipate watching very much of it from here on in.OK, so I'm glad I managed to stay up late enough Monday night to see the last Chinese figure-skating pair, Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao. Their astonishing performance, after Zhang Hao accidentally flung Zhang Dan to the ice as they tried to perform a throw quadruple Salchow, resulted in both a silver medal and one of those goosebumps viewing experiences I'll long remember.
Of course, I'd have remembered it just as well earlier in the evening. And not having been able to plan my evening around the only event I cared about that night, I nearly went to bed and missed it.
Given that none of this is live, the timing would seem to be entirely up to NBC, which rations out show-stoppers like Bode Miller and the figure-skating competitions in such a way that it's impossible, even using the TV listings at NBCOlympics .com, to know exactly, or even approximately, when a particular athlete or event will be featured.
Say what you like about \"Idol,\" but it's not yet demanding 3 1/2 hours a night to hear one or two halfway decent singers.
[ February 16, 2006, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
JIP, your quote just proves I should be getting paid for my opinions--he said the same thing I said. Gotta work on that resume.
I think splitting up the coverage definitely diminishes one's interest. Most people are not interested in every single event, so when they switch from figure skating to snowboarding to skeleton to moguls to speed skating, you're going to lose audiences to the remote control.
Another problem is the scheduling of events in the Olympics themselves. It seems like they've put too many gaps in figure skating, for example. I'd rather have a figure skating event (short or long program) each day for consecutive days, rather than Sat-Mon (pairs), Tues-Thurs (men's), Fri-Sun-Mon (dance), Tues-Thurs (women's).
Another problem is the scheduling of events in the Olympics themselves. It seems like they've put too many gaps in figure skating, for example. I'd rather have a figure skating event (short or long program) each day for consecutive days, rather than Sat-Mon (pairs), Tues-Thurs (men's), Fri-Sun-Mon (dance), Tues-Thurs (women's).
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