From TV to tablet, the 2012 Summer Olympics are everywhere! Since the Opening Ceremony on July 27, there hasn’t been a device (or human being) untouched by the coverage of the Games.
NBC has definitely won the “gold medal” for making sure that viewers aren’t missing any of the action. They’ve created specific and separate TV channels that air Olympic events, such as soccer and basketball, as well as expanding coverage across CNBC, MSNBC and Bravo networks. The Video on Demand platform also contains Olympics content that may otherwise not have been accessible to viewers. Additionally, tablet and mobile apps allow users to follow the sports, keep track of results, watch videos and much more. Compared to Games prior, as well as with the advancement in many devices, NBC is able to enhance peoples’ experiences throughout the Games.
With NBC’s TV ratings and viewership, they secure the “silver medal.” Within only three days of the Games, NBC averaged a 5.8 rating among Adults 18–49, which was more than ABC, Fox and CBS combined (http://www.medialifemagazine.com/for-nbc-another-sports-related-surge/). These Olympics have been the best of any Summer Games in history due to NBC’s coverage averaging 34.8 million total viewers (http://www.medialifemagazine.com/games-stay-on-pace-for-viewership-record/ ). I don’t blame viewers for keeping their eyes glued to the TV as they watch athletes (and heartthrobs) such as swimmer Ryan Lochte and diver David Boudia. Well, those are two reasons I watch, anyway!
Lastly, NBC takes home the “bronze medal” for spilling the beans. During continuous coverage of the Games, NBC revealed the outcome of a highly anticipated event in which U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin won gold in the 100-backstroke (http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/01/showbiz/tv/nbc-apologizes-olympic-spoiler-ew/index.html ). While watching NBC News myself, there have also been times in which anchormen have asked viewers to “turn away from the television” or “change channels” as they were about to reveal the winners/finalists for the day’s events that had not been broadcast yet. Talk about a huge spoiler alert! I don’t know about you, but I enjoy the element of surprise.
Overall, NBC has done a great job and hasn’t missed a beat while the 2012 Summer Olympics are in full swing. I’ve definitely enjoyed watching Team USA go for the gold!
