(ATR) NBC's television coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympics is off to a rough start.
Viewers have expressed their disappointment with the countless commercials breaks, controversial commentary and tape delays forcing viewers to stay up to nearly midnight.
Carole Glines from Fox News stated the NBC’s Olympic coverage may be the worst ever. "NBC execs might have reason to wonder if the network’s approach isn’t working in the fast-paced social media age; ratings for the summer sports spectacular are the worst in years."
Correspondent Joe Flint and Suzanne Vranica from The Wall Street Journal revealed Rio’s 2016 opening was the lowest rated since Athens in 2004 drawing 26.5 million viewers on NBC, a 35% decline from the record-setting audience for London’s opener in 2012 which attracted 40.7 viewers.
NBC Sports spokesman Greg Hughes said in a statement: "To expect the same pure television consumption four years removed from London just isn’t logical, but overall consumption is at or above our expectations."
NBC may not hold all the blame for the ratings decline.
Story Hinckley from the CSMonitor believes the American audience decline may be due to the IOCs efforts to broaden the appeal of the Games. "Some analysts say that has diluted the Olympic brand, especially as a number of sports have other championship events that outshine the Olympics." Hinckley writes.
The Russian doping scandal has also added some negative attention to the Games. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling that allows previous doping cheats to compete in Rio has fueled some interesting rivalries.
American swimmer Lilly King beat Russian rival Yulia Efimova in the 100m breaststroke for the gold on Monday after calling Efimova out for her previous doping transgressions in the semifinals.
"You’re shaking your finger ‘No. 1’ and you’ve been caught for drug cheating," King said when speaking on Efimova. "I’m not a fan."
King did not limit her disapproval to just former Russian dopers. King says that top U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin should not receive a special exemption and thatanyone of any country should not be allowed to compete if they have had previous doping charges. "A level playing field would be preferred," she adds.
Justin Gatlin is seen as the most challenging competitor to Olympic andWorld Champion sprinter Usain Bolt in the 100m and will alsocompete in the 200m and the 4x100m relay.
Fans have not taken lightly the IOCs decision to allow some athletes to complete either.
Cheers turned to booingas Russian Olympic swimmers entered the Olympic Aquatic Stadium onAug. 8 and athletes will likely be scrutinized by spectators throughout the duration of theGames.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games will conclude on Aug.21.
Homepage photo: Getty Images
Written by Courtney Colquitt
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