Traditionally, when the Olympics come around, NBC hasn’t done a lot of streaming. However, NBC has promised that it will change that this summer when the Olympics kick off in London. NBC says, “if cameras are on it, we will stream it.”
Comprehensive Streaming Coverage
NBC plans to stream all 32 sports live from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London on the website nbcolympics.com. This is a significant shift from previous years, where live streaming was limited or non-existent. The network’s decision to stream every sport live is a response to the growing demand for real-time access to events, driven by advancements in technology and changes in viewer habits.
Most of the sporting events that NBC streams will be immediately archived. This means that viewers who miss the live broadcast can still catch up on the action at their convenience. However, some sporting events that are particularly important or popular will be archived immediately. This ensures that fans of high-profile sports like gymnastics, swimming, and track and field can quickly access replays and highlights.
Prime Time Playback and Ratings Concerns
Important and popular events will be recorded and then played back during prime time. This strategy allows NBC to maintain high viewership during the evening hours when most people are home and able to watch TV. In the past, NBC Sports didn’t stream Olympic events live because they feared an impact on ratings. The concern was that if people could watch events live online, they might not tune in for the prime-time broadcasts, which are crucial for advertising revenue.
However, the media landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. With the rise of social media and mobile devices, viewers expect to have access to live content wherever they are. NBC’s decision to stream all events live acknowledges this shift and aims to cater to the modern viewer’s preferences. By offering both live streaming and prime-time replays, NBC hopes to capture a broader audience and enhance the overall viewing experience.
In addition to live streaming, NBC is also expected to provide a wealth of supplementary content on nbcolympics.com. This may include athlete profiles, behind-the-scenes footage, expert analysis, and interactive features that allow viewers to engage more deeply with the Olympic Games. Such content can enrich the viewing experience and provide fans with a more comprehensive understanding of the events and the athletes competing in them.
Moreover, NBC’s commitment to streaming every sport live can also be seen as a move to stay competitive in the digital age. Other networks and streaming platforms are increasingly offering live sports coverage, and NBC’s extensive streaming plans for the Olympics demonstrate their dedication to remaining a leader in sports broadcasting.
Overall, NBC’s promise to stream all Olympic events live marks a significant departure from their traditional approach. It reflects the evolving nature of media consumption and the network’s efforts to adapt to new technologies and viewer expectations. This summer, fans of the Olympics can look forward to unprecedented access to their favorite sports and athletes, whether they choose to watch live or catch up later.
via NYT
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