The Pyeongchang Games mark the first Winter Olympics that NBC will "broadcast live across all US time zones" in primetime, according to Chad Finn of the BOSTON GLOBE. NBC Sports President of Olympics Production & Programming Jim Bell acknowledged that "part of the impetus" for making sure that NBC’s primetime broadcasts "featured live coverage rather than delayed replay was the concern that social media’s immediacy would have a negative effect on viewership." Bell said the net wanted to be "able to do the Winter Olympics live across the country for this communal experience and not feel like television was being usurped by social media or other things in other time zones." He added, "It’s going to be the best way for viewers to experience this.” Bell also noted this approach "allows NBC to show virtually all of the most anticipated events" in the primetime window (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/9). NBC is "hoping that the social-media age, which has hurt events shown on tape delay, will now turn into a positive with events being shown live across all time zones over the next 17 days." Bell said, "The evolution of technology and wanting to feel like television is the place where the entire country could experience the Olympics live as much as possible” (N.Y. POST, 2/9). Meanwhile, NBC is touting the 14-hour time difference between Pyeongchang and the east coast of the U.S.
"as a plus." Thanks to "cooperative event organizers," the net will be "able to offer live figure skating, Alpine skiing or snowboarding live in prime time each night beginning Saturday" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/9).
HAPPY TO BE WATCHING: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar notes Mike Tirico is NBC's new Olympic primetime host, and Bob Costas, who served in that role since '92, sounds as if he will "enjoy being back on the other side of the television set." Costas said, “I knew I was going to step aside after Rio (in '16), so I’m completely acclimated to this. I knew this is what I wanted to do with both the football and Olympics." He is "looking forward to tuning in from afar." Costas said, “I’ll watch because so many of my friends and colleagues are involved. I’ll keep an eye on it. Am I going to sit there tethered to the couch and watch every single minute? No. I’ll watch more than enough of it ... and I’m sure they’ll do a really good job. Tirico’s a very talented guy and he’s prepared hard for the assignment. The broadcast is in good hands.” He added, "I did 12 of them (overall), I left on my own terms and that’s a good feeling" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 2/9).
