#NBCFail

[einahpets]

Because I'm a dork I sent a complaint e-mail to NBC.  Now unlike other countries, TV stations in the US are privately owned and not funded by the public.  This is why we have commercials and other such non sense in between our shows.  It's why 'primetime' is a time slot so many networks aim to get high viewership for because then they get more sponsors.  And why the network broadcasting the superbowl charges so much for commercials.  Yes, once again the USA is run by money.  A true blessing and curse. This is why more popular Olympic sports and US wins were shown delayed.  However, I have no idea why NBC decided to edit out certain content from the opening and closing ceremonies.  That I can not forgive.



To anyone involved with programming, editing, content inclusion, and airing of the Olympic broadcast --

I hope for the Rio games you learn from your mistakes and actually show the entire Opening and Closing Ceremonies unedited and uninterrupted by your agenda.  Not only is it a slight to your viewers, who have no other choice of US TV network to watch the games, it's an absolute insult to the host country who worked hard and put so much time and planning to create these showcases.  In the world of global connection and instant information, you can no longer deny that you are editing out content.  While I am indifferent to your choice to delay the broadcasts to primetime, I am enraged that you decide what content the American public gets to see without input.  Yes, you have the live streaming available on nbcolympics.com but people work, have school, or the odd hours of the games don't allow for someone to be on the internet 24/7.  And let's be honest, there's something wonderful and social about watching it on a television instead of a computer screen.  It's my belief you are abusing your power as the sole carrier of the Olympics when you decide to edit out content.  The summer games only come around every 4 years and should be what's remembered, not the television network that failed and caused controversy due to editing choices.
  
In general I found your coverage of the games and competitions quite well done.  While some of your commentators had something to be desired (specifically the basketball commentators) having the choice of many TV channels and live streaming was a welcome addition.  I hope that you choose to include the live/online streaming for the winter games. 

One last comment.  I wish you would reconsider your choice to air/buy rights for the Paralympic games broadcast.  While I do not know the reason why you chose not to include it as part of the Olympic coverage, I think you're doing a disservice to these athletes and the American public by not showcasing them.  I think it's terrible that you highlight a South African double amputee participating in the regular games but completely overlook hundreds of similar athletes.  Also, now that I have interest in Oscar, why not show his races in the Paralympic games?  You've got an invested/interested public, follow through.

I hope you take time to think about what went wrong with the 2012 games broadcast and start listening to your viewers; instead of your executives and money.

Regards --
S S    



  

Comments

[winterstorrm.livejournal.com]

Did you see this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBeXkYSzXzw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[loaded-march.livejournal.com]

Go you!

[dk323.livejournal.com]

I'm with you on what NBC did with the Closing Ceremony. That was a mess and then I heard Muse was there performing and they didn't broadcast them. :( I love Muse! Urgh -- fail, NBC!

Unfortunately with the live/online streaming, I couldn't take advantage of that because I didn't have a cable provider I could enter to get access to content. Unless I was missing something? It made me annoyed that I was shut out just because I don't have freakin' cable. But the coverage on the regular NBC channel was all right (I think diving is my #2 favorite sport now after gymnastics). On the newscasts, they had spoiler alerts prior to the primetime coverage. Urgh. Why can't they just show it live? It's like they're dangling a string in front of you -- oh look, here's a spoiler...don't look if you don't want to know. *frowns*

I agree with you about them disrespecting the organizers of the Closing Ceremony by butchering it up. *evil eye*

[amphigoury.livejournal.com]

Good letter, Reni! You make good points. NBC chose not to air live because people work during that time and primetime is when families can gather 'round and watch together (which is corporate speak for "there is more money to be made airing other shows instead").... but on a Sunday when NO ONE is working and there is nothing on TV but golf and crap, why not air live? They spent whole segments touting Usain Bolt, but couldn't be bothered to show him run live on Sunday the 5th when he broke the records? Sunday! No one is working, everyone wants to see! Same with the closing ceremonies. Oh well, just stream it live from their site. Yeah, nothing like bringing the family around the iPhone screen......

I have nothing to complain about because CTV was amazing... they had feeds with no commentators at all and it was awesome! But I sure feel for those stuck with NBC....