ESPN has detailed the limitations it faces in covering the Rio Games "in a story posted on its media relations blog," according to Neil Best of NEWSDAY. The network noted that the restrictions that it and other non-NBC news outlets in the U.S. "must abide by began Wednesday and run until 24 hours after the Closing Ceremonies on Aug. 21." No ESPN shows, including highlight shows such as “SportsCenter,” cannot air any Olympic highlights "until NBC’s prime time coverage ends -- on the West Coast," which means approximately 3:00am ET. Once that time restriction passes, ESPN "can show Olympic video on its news programs, but only to a maximum of six minutes per show, and only for 72 hours after the first use of such video is permitted." Also, no video from a news conference can be shown "until 30 minutes after the conclusion of the conference." ESPN will "have daily onsite reporting from Rio, including for the first time in its history entire editions of 'SportsCenter' that originate from the Olympic site" (NEWSDAY.com, 8/4).
STORM FRONT: ESPN's Hannah Storm will be in Rio during the Games, and she said, "Because NBC had the Olympic rights I have not gone to an Olympics since I left NBC. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get the chance to physically go to another Olympics and cover it." Storm will host the 10:00am hour of "SportsCenter" from Rio, and she said she is "thrilled" to take the show to an Olympics for the first time. She said, "We've been zipping all over the U.S. interviewing Olympic athletes and it’s just been a joy." She added, "My show, which is 'Face to Face,' is an interview-based show and so it’s definitely conducive to going to the Olympics because it’s not a highlight-driven show. I’ve already put in the can five swimmers, four Dream Team interviews, a golfer, two of the biggest female soccer stars -- all done. So as they roll out and they are competing next week, I have these great interviews and one-on-one access with all of these athletes. We really carefully plotted out in advanced. Plus we have analysts on the ground who will be able to grab athletes live and via satellite" (VARIETY.com, 8/4).
