NBC Sports Group won the Sports Business Award for Sports Media based largely on its performance with the Rio Games, but NBC Sports Group Chair Mark Lazarus said that he views the organization's success through the lens of smaller events just as much as he does through big events like the Olympics. “Logistically, pulling off an Olympics is an amazing feat -- our gang does a great job in foreign countries under oftentimes adverse conditions,” Lazarus said. “But look also at 'Sunday Night Football,' which is the number one rated show for six years in a row. That’s only been done once before by 'American Idol.'” Lazarus said he was proud of the way NBC Sports Group incorporated “Thursday Night Football” last season. “Adding a second game in many weeks is really taxing on a team, and the fans didn't know,” he said. “They just thought it was a fresh game every time. I’m proud of the team for that.” Lazarus said NBC tries to keep the same high production values in lesser known events as they do for sports' most marquee events. “Our guys really care about what they do and they really put all the effort into everything, whether it’s a big-rated show, a medium-rated show, a small digital audience, a radio audience,” Lazarus said. “We don't discriminate. Whatever we’re doing we want to do as best we can as if the entire world is watching. That comes through in everything we do.” While giving an acceptance speech on stage, Lazarus offered a shoutout to his predecessor, Dick Ebersol. “Dick -- we strive to achieve your level of excellence every day,” Lazarus said, drawing applause from the crowd.
