» NBC Keen on Olympics Despite Protests

- NBC Keen on Olympics Despite Protests
  
  A post about Columns by Josh on April 22nd, '08
  
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- The protests surrounding the Olympic torch relay have highlighted some possible problems for the Beijing Olympics. What was supposed to be China’s chance to take its place amongst other world powers might now end up as nothing more than the biggest “egg on your face” moment in history. Tibet, Sudan, Myanmar, and a host of other human rights issues have come to the world’s attention via the media. Various press outlets are having a field day with China’s loss of face.
  
  But what about NBC, the network that is banking on the Olympics for a much needed boost? Are they trying to soothe anxious advertisers and devise a Plan B in case the games are beset by protests and boycotts?
  
  According to an NBC exec Jeff Zucker, advertising sales are strong, and there has been no pullback after the latest round of pro-Tibetan protests. In fact, 75% of the ad slots for have already been purchased.
  
  In response to the protests, Zucker said:
  
  “The fact is the Olympics are a sporting event on the world stage. It’s not surprising that some would try to use that stage to further their own causes, and we understand that, but at the end of the day this is about the event and both the advertisers and our viewers understand that.”
  
  Fair enough. Why should NBC be blamed for the arbitrary decisions and incompetent nature of the International Olympic Committee? They are the ones who made the controversial decision to award the games to Beijing in the first place. And in this day and age, there could well be people protesting no matter where the games were held.
  
  Besides, the Olympics isn’t really about “Olympic spirit” or “human triumph” (sorry Bob Costas). It’s about making money, isn’t it? China, NBC, corporate sponsors, and successful athletes are going to make a killing. The economy of the event is going to trump Tibet.
  
  NBC is planning wall to wall coverage on its flagship and on its cable stations. The ‘08 Olympics is going to be a gargantuan event that will, one way or another, put China in the spotlight.
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