Comments on: NBC's Olympic Coverage on Pace for Most-Watched Olympics in History with 114 Million Total viewers http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/ Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:00:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Visitor http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-2/#comment-256733 Visitor Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:07:58 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-256733 Being from Spain I´ve seen other olympic games there broadcast by the local TVE. Normally they introduce all the competitors, they don't shout, they concentrate on the event and they cover a variety of events. It's a pleasure to watch.<br><br>But I've seen these games in the States and this is my assessment of NBC's coverage: soap operas, mushy stuff, silly stories that have nothing to do with the Olympics, stupid guys running around a fountain, too many opinions, too much irrelevant meta-information, few events, the irritating beach voleyball (not a real sport), too much political manipulation (the story of the paraolympic who got paralyzed in Iraq "for defending his nation", yeah right!), TV speakers out of control, yelling like monkeys, because Phelps finished 1 millisecond before the next guy.<br><br>Disgusting. I don't want to watch another Olympic games like that even if I have to travel to the worst country in this planet. It can't be worse than this. Being from Spain I´ve seen other olympic games there broadcast by the local TVE. Normally they introduce all the competitors, they don't shout, they concentrate on the event and they cover a variety of events. It's a pleasure to watch.

But I've seen these games in the States and this is my assessment of NBC's coverage: soap operas, mushy stuff, silly stories that have nothing to do with the Olympics, stupid guys running around a fountain, too many opinions, too much irrelevant meta-information, few events, the irritating beach voleyball (not a real sport), too much political manipulation (the story of the paraolympic who got paralyzed in Iraq “for defending his nation”, yeah right!), TV speakers out of control, yelling like monkeys, because Phelps finished 1 millisecond before the next guy.

Disgusting. I don't want to watch another Olympic games like that even if I have to travel to the worst country in this planet. It can't be worse than this.

]]> By: Visitor http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-2/#comment-18875 Visitor Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:07:58 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-18875 Being from Spain I´ve seen other olympic games there broadcast by the local TVE. Normally they introduce all the competitors, they don't shout, they concentrate on the event and they cover a variety of events. It's a pleasure to watch.<br><br>But I've seen these games in the States and this is my assessment of NBC's coverage: soap operas, mushy stuff, silly stories that have nothing to do with the Olympics, stupid guys running around a fountain, too many opinions, too much irrelevant meta-information, few events, the irritating beach voleyball (not a real sport), too much political manipulation (the story of the paraolympic who got paralyzed in Iraq "for defending his nation", yeah right!), TV speakers out of control, yelling like monkeys, because Phelps finished 1 millisecond before the next guy.<br><br>Disgusting. I don't want to watch another Olympic games like that even if I have to travel to the worst country in this planet. It can't be worse than this. Being from Spain I´ve seen other olympic games there broadcast by the local TVE. Normally they introduce all the competitors, they don't shout, they concentrate on the event and they cover a variety of events. It's a pleasure to watch.

But I've seen these games in the States and this is my assessment of NBC's coverage: soap operas, mushy stuff, silly stories that have nothing to do with the Olympics, stupid guys running around a fountain, too many opinions, too much irrelevant meta-information, few events, the irritating beach voleyball (not a real sport), too much political manipulation (the story of the paraolympic who got paralyzed in Iraq “for defending his nation”, yeah right!), TV speakers out of control, yelling like monkeys, because Phelps finished 1 millisecond before the next guy.

Disgusting. I don't want to watch another Olympic games like that even if I have to travel to the worst country in this planet. It can't be worse than this.

]]> By: William http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-2/#comment-15164 William Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:34:42 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-15164 The Olympic Games are first and foremost about bringing people together. The athletes become for a time the ambassadors of their respective nations to the world. The wonderful thing about The Games is that they allow people from around the world to extend their hands to one another against the tapestry of international sports despite the realities of national policies and conflicts. There are always controversies at the Games to be sure, but the tears in the eyes of athletes during the medal ceremonies says to me that the Spirit of The Games is what matters most. <br> <br>Its obvious to me from watching NBC's coverage of the Beijing Olympics, that network television is more concerned about ad revenues than content. The coverage has gotten so narrowly focused during the televising of The Games that only a dozen or so sports receive any substantial attention. Many specific events and their participants are recycled ad nauseum in order to make room for still more advertising opportunities. Human interest stories about the little know competitor can do much for ratings too. Why? Because they speak to the hearts of the viewing audience. A viewing of the film "Seabiscuit" speaks directly to what I'm talking about. NBC and the other networks need to get over this aversion to speaking to people's hearts, or viewership will continue to decline, despite the current Olympic spike. Now, I realize that the Oympics are very costly to air, but what happened to the Spirit of The Games? Over two hundred nations send their athletes to compete, but only about 15-20% of them are seen. I am particularly distressed by NBC's lack of coverage of equestrian and sailing sports. On the other hand, I feel the network's scheduling of a ratings gold mine like the USA Men's Basketball final for 2:30 am, downright laughable. Talk about the squandering of opportunity! Finally, why is it that we never see a wonderful color commentator like Dwight Stones on camera, or that an accomplished broadcaster like Jim Lampley is always so dead-pan? Kudos to Bob Costas, and to Mary Carrillo for her enjoyable forays among the people and customs of China. The Olympic Games are first and foremost about bringing people together. The athletes become for a time the ambassadors of their respective nations to the world. The wonderful thing about The Games is that they allow people from around the world to extend their hands to one another against the tapestry of international sports despite the realities of national policies and conflicts. There are always controversies at the Games to be sure, but the tears in the eyes of athletes during the medal ceremonies says to me that the Spirit of The Games is what matters most.

Its obvious to me from watching NBC's coverage of the Beijing Olympics, that network television is more concerned about ad revenues than content. The coverage has gotten so narrowly focused during the televising of The Games that only a dozen or so sports receive any substantial attention. Many specific events and their participants are recycled ad nauseum in order to make room for still more advertising opportunities. Human interest stories about the little know competitor can do much for ratings too. Why? Because they speak to the hearts of the viewing audience. A viewing of the film “Seabiscuit” speaks directly to what I'm talking about. NBC and the other networks need to get over this aversion to speaking to people's hearts, or viewership will continue to decline, despite the current Olympic spike. Now, I realize that the Oympics are very costly to air, but what happened to the Spirit of The Games? Over two hundred nations send their athletes to compete, but only about 15-20% of them are seen. I am particularly distressed by NBC's lack of coverage of equestrian and sailing sports. On the other hand, I feel the network's scheduling of a ratings gold mine like the USA Men's Basketball final for 2:30 am, downright laughable. Talk about the squandering of opportunity! Finally, why is it that we never see a wonderful color commentator like Dwight Stones on camera, or that an accomplished broadcaster like Jim Lampley is always so dead-pan? Kudos to Bob Costas, and to Mary Carrillo for her enjoyable forays among the people and customs of China.

]]> By: A. Commentator http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-2/#comment-15154 A. Commentator Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:39:45 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-15154 This was the worst coverage of an Olympics ever. Last time was bad, but this was awful. Vast coverage of semi-sports like Beach blanket volleyball, and silly affairs - they are not sports - like synchronized swimming. More diving and women's gymnastics than I care to watch, and they showed the ENTIRE Mens and Womens marathon! yet very little coverage of many traditional sports. The IOC need to seriously pare down many of these non-sports. NBC gets an F and I wish some other station would pick it up . This was the worst coverage of an Olympics ever. Last time was bad, but this was awful. Vast coverage of semi-sports like Beach blanket volleyball, and silly affairs – they are not sports – like synchronized swimming. More diving and women's gymnastics than I care to watch, and they showed the ENTIRE Mens and Womens marathon! yet very little coverage of many traditional sports. The IOC need to seriously pare down many of these non-sports. NBC gets an F and I wish some other station would pick it up .

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-14534 Robert Seidman Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:54:10 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-14534 There's quite a bit of historical data on the summer games (for US viewing) going back to 1968 here:<br><br><a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/08/08/historical-nielsen-tv-ratings-for-summer-olympics/4629">http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/08/08/historical...</a> There's quite a bit of historical data on the summer games (for US viewing) going back to 1968 here:

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/08/08/historical…

]]> By: aeraj http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-14533 aeraj Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:41:31 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-14533 Does anyone know of site where I might be able to find historical viewership for Olympics coverage? Obviously, Beijing is putting up great numbers, but I'm interested to see if there is a comparison to all of the Olympics by year thus far.. With this Olympics we should also consider the great deal of investment NBCU has put into marketing the event and driving viewers online through their promo spots Does anyone know of site where I might be able to find historical viewership for Olympics coverage? Obviously, Beijing is putting up great numbers, but I'm interested to see if there is a comparison to all of the Olympics by year thus far.. With this Olympics we should also consider the great deal of investment NBCU has put into marketing the event and driving viewers online through their promo spots

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-14532 Robert Seidman Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:08:04 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-14532 Kaleb, I'm with you on the Women's Marathon, which seemingly covered every step for over 2.5 hours! Kaleb, I'm with you on the Women's Marathon, which seemingly covered every step for over 2.5 hours!

]]> By: Kaleb Wayne http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-14531 Kaleb Wayne Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:05:23 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-14531 This is absolutely the worse coverage of the Olympic games I have ever seen. If I never see another beach volleyball game again it will be way too soon. Yesterday we were treateated to 2 1/2 hours (??????) of the women's marathon when they could have been switching between the marathon and other events. These are the Olympic "GAMES"!!!!!!! Not the "Olympic ONE-OR-TWO SPORTS". What absolutely miserable coverage. Shame on you NBC This is absolutely the worse coverage of the Olympic games I have ever seen. If I never see another beach volleyball game again it will be way too soon. Yesterday we were treateated to 2 1/2 hours (??????) of the women's marathon when they could have been switching between the marathon and other events. These are the Olympic “GAMES”!!!!!!! Not the “Olympic ONE-OR-TWO SPORTS”. What absolutely miserable coverage. Shame on you NBC

]]> By: billnj60 http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-14341 billnj60 Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:23:45 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-14341 NBC and media is turning this into the "Phelps Olympics"...granted he is greatest swimmer of all times....but enough ...there are plenty of other great stories and athletes to cover. Costos keeps asking if he is greatest olympian ever?....Who is to say if any one individual in one event is greater than someone in many events in track and field or long distance i.e Flanagan 10,000 m......by paying to much attention to Phelps you are doing a big injustice to other athletes. NBC and media is turning this into the “Phelps Olympics”…granted he is greatest swimmer of all times….but enough …there are plenty of other great stories and athletes to cover. Costos keeps asking if he is greatest olympian ever?….Who is to say if any one individual in one event is greater than someone in many events in track and field or long distance i.e Flanagan 10,000 m……by paying to much attention to Phelps you are doing a big injustice to other athletes.

]]> By: Covegirl http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-14303 Covegirl Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:35:01 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-14303 I, and many of my friends, are really disappointed that NBC has decided to use OXYGEN for televising a majority of the equestrian events. Many of us do not have OXYGEN as part of our cable packages. I realize that there are many events to cover, but it seems to me that equestrian events are just as interesting to many of your viewers as the events being televised on standard NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, and USA. Not all people have computers to access these events in that manner. I hope you will consider this when planning for other olympic years. Other than that, coverage has been great. Thank you! I, and many of my friends, are really disappointed that NBC has decided to use OXYGEN for televising a majority of the equestrian events. Many of us do not have OXYGEN as part of our cable packages. I realize that there are many events to cover, but it seems to me that equestrian events are just as interesting to many of your viewers as the events being televised on standard NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, and USA. Not all people have computers to access these events in that manner. I hope you will consider this when planning for other olympic years. Other than that, coverage has been great. Thank you!

]]> By: delmarco http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-13801 delmarco Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:36:16 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-13801 Tell the chick announcing synchronized swimming to SHUT UP! Tell the chick announcing synchronized swimming to SHUT UP!

]]> By: delmarco http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304306 delmarco Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:34:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304306 Tell the chick announcing the women's diving to SHUT UP! Tell the chick announcing the women’s diving to SHUT UP!

]]> By: Hot Pocket http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304258 Hot Pocket Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:57:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304258 I don't think they can lie about the Olympics ratings since they come from Nielsen. These ratings only come from the prime time portion on NBC. I remember the NBC Universal ratings being released separately and they did not add up to the same amount for the 2004 prime time ratings. The ratings on USA and MSNBC were pretty good for them on Saturday this year. I don’t think they can lie about the Olympics ratings since they come from Nielsen.

These ratings only come from the prime time portion on NBC. I remember the NBC Universal ratings being released separately and they did not add up to the same amount for the 2004 prime time ratings. The ratings on USA and MSNBC were pretty good for them on Saturday this year.

]]> By: Hot Pocket http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304259 Hot Pocket Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:57:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304259 I don't think they can lie about the Olympics ratings since they come from Nielsen. These ratings only come from the prime time portion on NBC. I remember the NBC Universal ratings being released separately and they did not add up to the same amount for the 2004 prime time ratings. The ratings on USA and MSNBC were pretty good for them on Saturday this year. I don’t think they can lie about the Olympics ratings since they come from Nielsen.

These ratings only come from the prime time portion on NBC. I remember the NBC Universal ratings being released separately and they did not add up to the same amount for the 2004 prime time ratings. The ratings on USA and MSNBC were pretty good for them on Saturday this year.

]]> By: Aaron http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304248 Aaron Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:50:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304248 Interesting. I would think that NBC's numbers could drop some during the track and field competitions, which will be on tape delay. I'm not looking forward to that, I'll probably hear who won before I see it. Interesting. I would think that NBC’s numbers could drop some during the track and field competitions, which will be on tape delay. I’m not looking forward to that, I’ll probably hear who won before I see it.

]]> By: Aaron http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304249 Aaron Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:50:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304249 Interesting. I would think that NBC's numbers could drop some during the track and field competitions, which will be on tape delay. I'm not looking forward to that, I'll probably hear who won before I see it. Interesting. I would think that NBC’s numbers could drop some during the track and field competitions, which will be on tape delay. I’m not looking forward to that, I’ll probably hear who won before I see it.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304246 Robert Seidman Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:40:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304246 Spacerangers: we do know for sure that the 24.1 million average viewers was for Saturday night primetime (8p-11p) just for the NBC broadcast network. I make the same assumption as you about Friday's total audience #s just being for NBC (though not just for primetime). Spacerangers: we do know for sure that the 24.1 million average viewers was for Saturday night primetime (8p-11p) just for the NBC broadcast network. I make the same assumption as you about Friday’s total audience #s just being for NBC (though not just for primetime).

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304247 Robert Seidman Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:40:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304247 Spacerangers: we do know for sure that the 24.1 million average viewers was for Saturday night primetime (8p-11p) just for the NBC broadcast network. I make the same assumption as you about Friday's total audience #s just being for NBC (though not just for primetime). Spacerangers: we do know for sure that the 24.1 million average viewers was for Saturday night primetime (8p-11p) just for the NBC broadcast network. I make the same assumption as you about Friday’s total audience #s just being for NBC (though not just for primetime).

]]> By: spacerangersfan http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304245 spacerangersfan Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:34:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304245 One thing I find frustrating is the way the press release states that "Saturday’s coverage on the Networks of NBC Universal reached 92 million total viewers" rather than giving the "total audience" (viewers who watched 6 or more minutes) for NBC itself. We do not even know if the 24.1 million average viewers for Saturday is for NBC or the Networks of NBC Universal, do we? The only comparison is to Athens, when NBC Universal had coverage on its many cable outlets. I assume that the "total audience" given for Friday's opening ceremonies were just for NBC, because otherwise the comparisons to earlier opening ceremonies would be pointless. Notice that this latest press release never mentions "total audience," instead using the term "total viewers." Is NBC using the two interchangeably? Basically, I am curious to know if NBC is (rightly) promoting the best numbers it has -- those for its entire broadcast and cable universe -- rather than for the NBC network alone... One thing I find frustrating is the way the press release states that “Saturday’s coverage on the Networks of NBC Universal reached 92 million total viewers” rather than giving the “total audience” (viewers who watched 6 or more minutes) for NBC itself. We do not even know if the 24.1 million average viewers for Saturday is for NBC or the Networks of NBC Universal, do we? The only comparison is to Athens, when NBC Universal had coverage on its many cable outlets.

I assume that the “total audience” given for Friday’s opening ceremonies were just for NBC, because otherwise the comparisons to earlier opening ceremonies would be pointless. Notice that this latest press release never mentions “total audience,” instead using the term “total viewers.” Is NBC using the two interchangeably?

Basically, I am curious to know if NBC is (rightly) promoting the best numbers it has — those for its entire broadcast and cable universe — rather than for the NBC network alone…

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-12924 Robert Seidman Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:04:03 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-12924 TVa, I agree with your analysis. Setting + economy are big factors. Having so many outlets on cable airing content helps as well, though the other broadcast nets (save perhaps CBS) would have been able to do similar multicasting. TVa, I agree with your analysis. Setting + economy are big factors. Having so many outlets on cable airing content helps as well, though the other broadcast nets (save perhaps CBS) would have been able to do similar multicasting.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304235 Robert Seidman Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:52:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304235 Tom, nope, you're still in the mainstream really with ~60% of people over the age of two not seeing any either. For now, it's the people who have watched any of them that are in the minority. Still, all things considered incredible numbers Tom, nope, you’re still in the mainstream really with ~60% of people over the age of two not seeing any either. For now, it’s the people who have watched any of them that are in the minority. Still, all things considered incredible numbers

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304236 Robert Seidman Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:52:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304236 Tom, nope, you're still in the mainstream really with ~60% of people over the age of two not seeing any either. For now, it's the people who have watched any of them that are in the minority. Still, all things considered incredible numbers Tom, nope, you’re still in the mainstream really with ~60% of people over the age of two not seeing any either. For now, it’s the people who have watched any of them that are in the minority. Still, all things considered incredible numbers

]]> By: Hot Pocket http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304237 Hot Pocket Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:52:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304237 WOW! these Olympics are on record pace to be the most watched in history. Saturday night does have an audience and it needs to be utilized for scripted shows by the networks in the future. Michael Phelps is a ratings and record holder beast. A 16.6 and 30 million viewers at one point. Imagine how Sunday's ratings will be with Michael Phelps and Women's Gymnastics this time. People forget its track and field that will have to prove themselves after the scandals. I'm watching regardless. WOW! these Olympics are on record pace to be the most watched in history. Saturday night does have an audience and it needs to be utilized for scripted shows by the networks in the future.

Michael Phelps is a ratings and record holder beast. A 16.6 and 30 million viewers at one point.

Imagine how Sunday’s ratings will be with Michael Phelps and Women’s Gymnastics this time.

People forget its track and field that will have to prove themselves after the scandals. I’m watching regardless.

]]> By: Hot Pocket http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304238 Hot Pocket Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:52:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304238 WOW! these Olympics are on record pace to be the most watched in history. Saturday night does have an audience and it needs to be utilized for scripted shows by the networks in the future. Michael Phelps is a ratings and record holder beast. A 16.6 and 30 million viewers at one point. Imagine how Sunday's ratings will be with Michael Phelps and Women's Gymnastics this time. People forget its track and field that will have to prove themselves after the scandals. I'm watching regardless. WOW! these Olympics are on record pace to be the most watched in history. Saturday night does have an audience and it needs to be utilized for scripted shows by the networks in the future.

Michael Phelps is a ratings and record holder beast. A 16.6 and 30 million viewers at one point.

Imagine how Sunday’s ratings will be with Michael Phelps and Women’s Gymnastics this time.

People forget its track and field that will have to prove themselves after the scandals. I’m watching regardless.

]]> By: tom http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304233 tom Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:47:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304233 i haven't seen any. must be something wrong with me. i haven’t seen any. must be something wrong with me.

]]> By: tom http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304234 tom Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:47:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304234 i haven't seen any. must be something wrong with me. i haven’t seen any. must be something wrong with me.

]]> By: TVaholic http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304230 TVaholic Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:15:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304230 Chris, My theory is that on top of the Phelps and other stories, the setting of China is a big part of the draw. In todays Womens road bike race, they featured them going through the Square and a large part in and around the Great Wall. Plus it doesn't hurt (NBCU) that the economy is in a flux and more people are staying home for their entertainment. Chris,

My theory is that on top of the Phelps and other stories, the setting of China is a big part of the draw.

In todays Womens road bike race, they featured them going through the Square and a large part in and around the Great Wall.

Plus it doesn’t hurt (NBCU) that the economy is in a flux and more people are staying home for their entertainment.

]]> By: TVaholic http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304231 TVaholic Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:15:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304231 Chris, My theory is that on top of the Phelps and other stories, the setting of China is a big part of the draw. In todays Womens road bike race, they featured them going through the Square and a large part in and around the Great Wall. Plus it doesn't hurt (NBCU) that the economy is in a flux and more people are staying home for their entertainment. Chris,

My theory is that on top of the Phelps and other stories, the setting of China is a big part of the draw.

In todays Womens road bike race, they featured them going through the Square and a large part in and around the Great Wall.

Plus it doesn’t hurt (NBCU) that the economy is in a flux and more people are staying home for their entertainment.

]]> By: Chris Merrill http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304228 Chris Merrill Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:45:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304228 What is it with the massive upswing in viewership of the Olympics? I can understand a fairly usual year-to-year increase (populations do climb after all) but this is downright crazy. Is it the higher publicity due to the controversies (people watching waiting for a disaster)? Smarter scheduling on NBC Universal's part? Plastering the Olympics on something like 8 cable channels? More prominent Olympic athletes? Or are we just happy to be able to watch something that isn't either reality TV or about the presidential campaign? Personally, I think its all of the above. NBC, helped by the controversies, created a perfect ratings storm. And to think there were (and to some extent still are) rumors that GE was gonna try to sell its share of NBC Universal What is it with the massive upswing in viewership of the Olympics? I can understand a fairly usual year-to-year increase (populations do climb after all) but this is downright crazy.
Is it the higher publicity due to the controversies (people watching waiting for a disaster)? Smarter scheduling on NBC Universal’s part? Plastering the Olympics on something like 8 cable channels? More prominent Olympic athletes? Or are we just happy to be able to watch something that isn’t either reality TV or about the presidential campaign?
Personally, I think its all of the above. NBC, helped by the controversies, created a perfect ratings storm. And to think there were (and to some extent still are) rumors that GE was gonna try to sell its share of NBC Universal

]]> By: Chris Merrill http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/08/10/nbcs-olympic-coverage-on-pace-for-most-watched-olympics-in-history-with-114-million-total-viewers/4645/comment-page-1/#comment-304229 Chris Merrill Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:45:00 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=4645#comment-304229 What is it with the massive upswing in viewership of the Olympics? I can understand a fairly usual year-to-year increase (populations do climb after all) but this is downright crazy. Is it the higher publicity due to the controversies (people watching waiting for a disaster)? Smarter scheduling on NBC Universal's part? Plastering the Olympics on something like 8 cable channels? More prominent Olympic athletes? Or are we just happy to be able to watch something that isn't either reality TV or about the presidential campaign? Personally, I think its all of the above. NBC, helped by the controversies, created a perfect ratings storm. And to think there were (and to some extent still are) rumors that GE was gonna try to sell its share of NBC Universal What is it with the massive upswing in viewership of the Olympics? I can understand a fairly usual year-to-year increase (populations do climb after all) but this is downright crazy.
Is it the higher publicity due to the controversies (people watching waiting for a disaster)? Smarter scheduling on NBC Universal’s part? Plastering the Olympics on something like 8 cable channels? More prominent Olympic athletes? Or are we just happy to be able to watch something that isn’t either reality TV or about the presidential campaign?
Personally, I think its all of the above. NBC, helped by the controversies, created a perfect ratings storm. And to think there were (and to some extent still are) rumors that GE was gonna try to sell its share of NBC Universal

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