Despite garnering its highest ratings in Olympic history, NBC – the network that exclusively broadcasts the games in the U.S. – is being heavily criticized for its handling of the event.
Fans and critics alike have noted NBC’s decision to actively tape-delay the games as a poor move on the company’s part. To delay the broadcast of live events in certain countries isn’t uncommon; however, as social media has become so prevalent the results are already well known in the U.S. before their broadcast time. The decision to delay coverage also limits NBC’s ability to nationally broadcast many more events, instead opting to regularly showcase just gymnastics, swimming, and basketball in the Olympics’ first week.
Perhaps the most glaring mistake the network made was during the elaborate opening ceremony last Friday. Deadspin reports the network decided to omit what was a tribute to those killed in the July 7th, 2005 terrorist attacks. For those unfamiliar with the event, several days after London won hosting rights for the 2012 Olympics, several coordinated terrorist attacks took place in London public transit systems, killing 52 people.
U.S. viewers instead were treated to a short, almost pointless Ryan Seacrest interview with swimming star Michael Phelps. Since that time, the company has received a range of complaints, most notably from Akram Khan. Khan, a dancer and choreographer who was in the 7/7 tribute, said “I feel disheartened and disappointed” in an interview after he had learned of NBC’s decision.
In response to the criticisms, NBC released a statement: “We are live streaming every sporting event, all 32 sports and all 302 medals … The opening and closing ceremonies, however, are entertainment spectacles.”
