Nation Sensation: Ebersol Makes Appearance On "Colbert Report"

Ebersol Asks Colbert To Join NBC Olympic Team During "Colbert Report"

NBC Sports & Olympics Chair Dick Ebersol appeared on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" last night to discuss next month's Vancouver Games. Host Stephen Colbert said, "You're the head of NBC Sports, the head of their Olympic coverage. I am the head of my Olympic coverage. We're very similar. I didn't pay any for mine. How much did you guys pay for your Olympic coverage?" Ebersol: "For these Olympics we're going to pay just over $800(M) in rights for a 17-day contest." Colbert: "Wow! Now for that $800(M), how many hours are the good people at home going to be able to watch?" Ebersol: "About 850." Colbert noted, "That's just a little bit more than $1(M) per hour." Ebersol later said to Colbert, "One of the things that would really help things along is if you agreed to come to the Olympics not only as the member of the speedskating team, but as part of our team." Ebersol then presented Colbert with a sweater vest featuring the NBC Sports Olympic logo. Colbert: "Do you have a title in mind, because I kind of like host of 'The Tonight Show.'" Ebersol: "Where were you several months ago when there was clearly an opening about to happen?" Colbert then asked if he could "go and cover the Olympic Games" for Comedy Central. Ebersol said, "Yes, you can. In fact, as a member of our team we'll be able to assist you and your team and their coverage of the Games." Colbert: "I feel like actual press. That's never happened before."

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN NEED: Colbert prior to Ebersol's appearance addressed reports that NBC could lose $200M on the Winter Games. Colbert: "It's gotten so bad that NBC is saving money on the Olympic torch by just setting fire to Conan O'Brien. Or that could be his hair, it's hard to tell." He added, "Clearly, they need help. That is why tonight I am calling on you, The Nation, to sponsor a new charity: NBC. Our fundraising goal is $200(M). … If we get to $200(M), I am confident Bob Costas will be holding interviews with 'The Colbert Nation' logo tattooed on his forehead." Once Ebersol appeared on the program, Colbert said, "We have been trying to raise money here tonight. The phone banks have been lighting up. Jim, show him how much money we have raised so far." After the "NBC Sponsorometer" said $1.89 had been raised, Colbert presented Ebersol with an oversized check for that amount and said, "Please accept this on behalf of 'The Colbert Nation.'"

Davis Accepted Colbert's Challenge To A Race Despite Previous Hostile Feelings Toward Him

SETTLING THE SCORE: Almost the entire "Colbert" episode was Olympic themed, as U.S. speedskater Shani Davis also appeared on the show in a taped segment. Davis, who previously has called Colbert a "jerk," accepted Colbert's challenge to race for the final spot on the U.S. Speedskating team, which is sponsored by "The Colbert Nation." Colbert said, "Last night, step one: I learned how to skate." The narration of the the taped segment said, "To beat Shani Davis, Stephen knew that he would need every advantage so first, he got a cape because what Stephen lacked in speed, dedication and athletic ability, he was determined to make up in style." Colbert then phoned Davis and told him, "I want to apologize for whatever I said that upset you. You're a great athlete and I completely respect you." After Davis accepted Colbert's apology and challenge, the host said, "Then there's just one more thing I want to say: Go!" Colbert started the race while Davis was still in his car driving to the rink. When Davis finally arrived, he blew past Colbert with a winning time of 35.24 seconds. Colbert finished in 13 minutes, 43.89 seconds ("The Colbert Report," Comedy Central, 1/20).