NBC Olympics 2010: Amazing, Disappointing, or Indifferent?

NBC Olympics 2010 is drawing a lot of scrutiny. The network paid over $2 billion for domestic rights to broadcast the 2010 and 2012 Olympic Games. Many who have a desire to watch the games have been complaining about NBC's broadcasts.

Among the most common complaints revolve around commercials. Viewers don't want to see a couple minutes of a sport, followed by a commercial, only to have the cycle repeat relatively quickly. However, the NBC is hemorrhaging money and advertising is the only way to possibly make at least a portion of it up.

Another complaint is the delayed taping of an event. Some 30 years ago, this wouldn't be an issue. Today, we can log on to our computer and see the results as they happen. Watching a delayed sporting event is like watching a movie after the trailer gives away the ending.

Perhaps the NBC coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games is under such scrutiny because people are still very bitter about the Conan O'Brien issue. Conan was recently booted from his slot on the "Tonight Show", and Jay Leno will take it back from him later on in the year.

Still yet, things don't look good for the network. SB Nation pointed out that the last time that NBC got things right was when Reagan was the president. While other networks have been able to compete, NBC has been flailing along.

It's surprising that the Olympic Games aren't shown on cable TV. While it's true that NBC has domestic rights to the whole broadcast, it's strange that the bidding was able to go that way. Perhaps more people would be satisfied if the multiple ESPN channels devoted themselves to the Olympics 24/7, that way no matter what event you want to see you can watch it live.

Still yet, the Olympic Games can be a multimedia experience. All you have to do is go to the Vancouver Winter Games 2010 official Web site to watch live streams of your favorite sports. In addition, the NBCOlympics.com Web site allows you to do the same. There are many interactive widgets, medal counters, and up-to-date live blogging online that will help you keep track of the games as well.

Bottom line is this: NBC Coverage of the 2010 Olympic Games may not be the best. However, with the technology available, the experience is what you make of it. If all you do is watch the network broadcasts, you might be disappointed. If you involve yourself in the entire multimedia experience, you may have a lot of fun.

Source:

CNM News Network

SB Nation