Lots of talk online about CBC coverage! It has been most enervating trying to follow particular sports as CBC flits about from sport to sport. TSN covers one sport at a time, which is a relief. CBC pops in and about and appears to let the ads govern the timing.
CBC headlines announce the semi-final achievements of our synchronized swimmers, and viewers complain that they are unable to watch it. CBC provides in-depth coverage by Sook-Yin Lee of the music scene in China. She was interviewing musicians, a couple of whom appeared stoned and/or drunk. I am unsure the purpose of kind of coverage. I would love to see more of the ancient culture of the country, and really feel more could be added. The antics of Shaun Majumder are simply puerile.
I admit to being quite disturbed myself. I am quite fed up with the prancing of Usain Bolt, and agree with IOC president Jacques Rogge that it is disrespectful of other competitors. What seems to be happening is that even 2nd place finishers take the flag and strut around the field. This does not seem to be the Olympic Spirit of competition. I agree with him. When will this stop? We see repeat after repeat of one event, and give little attention to our Canadian athletes.
Media coverage ranges from in-depth analysis of the 100 and 200-metre events, to the ignoring of other sports. Retired track athletes Ms. Edah and Mr. Bailey's CBC shot-by-shot commentary means very little to Olympic sports fans like myself. At the time this was broadcast there were other sports going on and we see little of these. I do not understand the focus.
The judging has been difficult to watch. I think that the only thing an athlete can do is understand that s/he did the best job possible and some things are out of control. Corruption is a symptom of the lack of Olympic ideals. If only we could simply watch the sports in which we have some interest, turn off the sound and forget the medal count.
Showing posts with label cbc olympic coverage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cbc olympic coverage. Show all posts
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Monday, 18 August 2008
CBC Olympic Coverage
Olympic coverage seems uneven to me. CBC traditionally have not been known for anything but hockey coverage. I love listening to Ron McLean, whose analogies only seem to arise from hockey, not a sport I follow! He has been a decent manager, despite his hockey focus. Most announcers have made great efforts to pronounce the wide variety of international names, as well they should (Mark Tewksbury being the exception!). Perhaps athletes interested in becoming announcers ought to be auditioned for the process. There is a wide variety of skills or lack thereof in those paid to do this.
The convenience of having CBC TV cover the Olympics means that we have the opportunity of hearing 'updates' at five minutes before the hour on radio. It is too bad that Matt Galloway does not seem to focus on the games as a whole, but on sensational topics. For example, he interviewed Mr. Katz, CBC sports, who was in the stadium when the Chinese track athlete, Liu Xiang, admitted to an injury and withdrew. Rather than asking for details or information we have to find out 'what was it like in the stadium?' Fairly predictable reactions from the Chinese in their win at all costs push to impress the world.
Then Mr. Galloway goes on to interview another Canadian athlete, whose husband convinced fellow OPP members to hijack an OPP vehicle in order to rig up a dramatic wedding proposal. Is this Olympic coverage? Is this a good use of airtime? I think not. I would prefer hearing a summary of the latest action, what we can expect today, and then a highlight or two about particular events.
TV footage has been difficult to watch with either directors or camera operators must cover sports with which they are unfamiliar. The extreme close ups of crying 'disappointed' athletes revolve around some sense I have of intruding on their moments. The close ups of the gymnasts, for example, while they hover waiting for a score, are painful in that the other cameras get in the way. I would love to see more crowd shots. The diving participants we must see showering as THEY await their scores. Broadcasters run out of things to say. The close ups of the beach volleyball women involve crotch shots that make me uncomfortable.
The convenience of having CBC TV cover the Olympics means that we have the opportunity of hearing 'updates' at five minutes before the hour on radio. It is too bad that Matt Galloway does not seem to focus on the games as a whole, but on sensational topics. For example, he interviewed Mr. Katz, CBC sports, who was in the stadium when the Chinese track athlete, Liu Xiang, admitted to an injury and withdrew. Rather than asking for details or information we have to find out 'what was it like in the stadium?' Fairly predictable reactions from the Chinese in their win at all costs push to impress the world.
Then Mr. Galloway goes on to interview another Canadian athlete, whose husband convinced fellow OPP members to hijack an OPP vehicle in order to rig up a dramatic wedding proposal. Is this Olympic coverage? Is this a good use of airtime? I think not. I would prefer hearing a summary of the latest action, what we can expect today, and then a highlight or two about particular events.
TV footage has been difficult to watch with either directors or camera operators must cover sports with which they are unfamiliar. The extreme close ups of crying 'disappointed' athletes revolve around some sense I have of intruding on their moments. The close ups of the gymnasts, for example, while they hover waiting for a score, are painful in that the other cameras get in the way. I would love to see more crowd shots. The diving participants we must see showering as THEY await their scores. Broadcasters run out of things to say. The close ups of the beach volleyball women involve crotch shots that make me uncomfortable.
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