USA TODAY previews the task facing NBC broadcast personnel,
with the network estimating that 200 million Americans will watch
some part of the coverage, vs. 193 million in '92. NBC execs are
hoping for a low 20s ratings on the Games' biggest night, the
women's gymnastics finals (USA TODAY, 7/19)....The Opening
Ceremonies will be commercial free for the final hour, from the
time the U.S. team enters the stadium until the torch is lit.
NBC Sports President Dick Ebersol: "People will be blown away"
(ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 7/19)....In L.A., Tom Hoffarth writes, "If
there's potential for [host Bob] Costas to implode from the mix
of overexposure and a greater sense of self-worth from media
glorification, this could be the time" (L.A. DAILY NEWS,
7/19)....A WALL STREET JOURNAL piece on financing the Games asks
where the money for future Olympics will come from. The answer:
"That's where General Electric [owner of NBC] fits in" (WALL
STREET JOURNAL, 7/19)....In DC, Leonard Shapiro notes NBC's long-
term deal and writes, "Some cynics might wonder how far NBC will
go with stories that might cause severe discomfort among the
Olympic lords and masters of the Games" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/19).
