
via www.philly.com: One of the most luxurious hotels in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a place they call "The Palace," and late Tuesday afternoon, ESPN and Fox Sports executives were drinking in its bar as reporters prowled the lobby, desperate to know who would prevail in the bidding for U.S. television rights for the Olympic Games beginning in 2014. Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/123701259.html?cmpid=15585797##ixzz1P4aDJ07Q
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GMM: According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, NBC Sports executives were emotionally devastated after their longtime chief, Dick Ebersol, resigned. (Rumors are Ebersol wanted a handsome pay package, one Comcast, NBC's new owner, couldn't justify.)
Brian Roberts, Comcast's CEO, and a team of NBC Sports executives, including Molly Solomon (an executive many Olympic athletes know and respect for her exceptionally well-produced Olympic profiles), flew to Lausanne, Switzerland, with one goal: win the Olympic broadcast rights. From all reports, they kicked EPSN and Fox Sports' butt, offering a billion dollars more along with a heart-felt video presentation from NBC employees who have grown to love the Olympics. It was a called "faces," a behind the scenes look at the network's army who has produced a strong story-telling broadcast of the Games.
Now that NBC/Comcast has the rights, reports are rolling in weighing what the future profit-loss outcome will be. Many television network analysts believe NBC suffered losses in the past due to a poor advertising structure. Other analysts argue losses can't be called losses as the Olympic platform is the most watched event worldwide, a perfect launching pad for other NBC shows.
As a former Olympic athlete who is always concerned about the broadcast and how the Olympic brand can remain strong, I worry that action sports (specifically the X Games) is chipping away at the Olympic audience. I believe the NBC broadcast is perfect for the Olympic Games, but I worry it's showing some age. Keeping the telecast youthful is essential going forward. I have a feeling Dick Ebersol's exit may open the door for this opportunity, that we may see results as early as 2012. It's only my hope. I have no evidence that NBC intends to do anything different.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? WILL NBC UPDATE THEIR OLYMPIC BROADCAST WITH A MORE YOUTH EDGE?
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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and ambassador to the USA National Swimming Team and the USA Swimming Foundation. Swimming alumni support USA Swimming's national "learn to swim" initiative, MAKE A SPLASH, and young swimmers with Olympic dreams. To support this nationwide effort, donate here.