| BBC Olympic coverage 19:53 - Aug 9 with 4659 views | Zx1988 |
Is there any particular reason why it seems to be so analysis heavy and action poor?
So much awesome stuff going on in the stadium post-Heptathlon (according to the crowd noise, at least) but it was eschewed for a drawn-out analysis of the heptathlon and former heptathlon medalists.
Is it an editorial decision? Or does the involvement of Discovery really limit what the BBC is allowed to show these days? |  |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:03 - Aug 9 with 4129 views | Steve_M |
They are massively limited with the Discovery deal but the coverage has become even more Brit-centric at the expense of showing sporting action. It's disappointing. |  |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:08 - Aug 9 with 4100 views | iamatractorboy |
I read somewhere (might have been this very site) that said the Beeb were restricted to 250 hours' live coverage, in total. I'm not sure if that is true but if it is then they have to be very picky, given they have got two channels/streams on the go at once over 16 days. I've got Discovery (missed out in Tokyo) and it is FAR better. | | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:11 - Aug 9 with 4080 views | NedPlimpton |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:08 - Aug 9 by iamatractorboy |
I read somewhere (might have been this very site) that said the Beeb were restricted to 250 hours' live coverage, in total. I'm not sure if that is true but if it is then they have to be very picky, given they have got two channels/streams on the go at once over 16 days. I've got Discovery (missed out in Tokyo) and it is FAR better. |
So a full 30mins of the 10,000m probably feels like a poor selection |  | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:25 - Aug 9 with 4006 views | Zx1988 |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:11 - Aug 9 by NedPlimpton |
So a full 30mins of the 10,000m probably feels like a poor selection |
They really seem to have gone to town with the drawn-out non-glamorous events. Mararthon swimming, long walk, and big bike ride to name but three. | |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:35 - Aug 9 with 3972 views | stonojnr |
mixture of both isnt it, they might be limited in terms of total live coverage they can show, but they also love doing the story journey aspect for the athletes and talking about things rather than showing.
Ive been watching on Eurosport (aka Discovery+) most of the time. | | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:47 - Aug 9 with 3930 views | jontysnut |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:08 - Aug 9 by iamatractorboy |
I read somewhere (might have been this very site) that said the Beeb were restricted to 250 hours' live coverage, in total. I'm not sure if that is true but if it is then they have to be very picky, given they have got two channels/streams on the go at once over 16 days. I've got Discovery (missed out in Tokyo) and it is FAR better. |
Yes, and only 2 live events at the same time. There is a lot of Phil Space but I guess they thought people would rather hear people talk about stuff than show recorded highlights of the wrestling or walking - fine events as they are. |  | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:55 - Aug 9 with 3836 views | olimar |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:47 - Aug 9 by jontysnut |
Yes, and only 2 live events at the same time. There is a lot of Phil Space but I guess they thought people would rather hear people talk about stuff than show recorded highlights of the wrestling or walking - fine events as they are. |
Given the limit on the content they can show, its pretty poor that they arent doing all they can to fill the gaps with delayed highlights from events they cant show live.
It feels like they are on auto-pilot, just stretching out the depth of their coverage of a single event, but forgetting that they dont actually have ten other streams in the background giving people the option to watch everything else.
Edit- and running KJTs post heptathlon interviews for a second time only 30 mins after showing it previously. [Post edited 9 Aug 2024 20:58]
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 21:09 - Aug 9 with 3727 views | BrianTablet |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:03 - Aug 9 by Steve_M |
They are massively limited with the Discovery deal but the coverage has become even more Brit-centric at the expense of showing sporting action. It's disappointing. |
It's got to the point of embarrassing.
Poor Michael Johnson has to sit through it all.
Yes, well done to KJT, but come on, re-showing everything 10 times.
They could at least discuss the other events, even the ones with incredible performances by non-Brits. |  |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 09:22 - Aug 10 with 3351 views | DJR |
The BBC are able to show two live events at the same time, one on the main channel and one on a broadcast stream, and, when it comes to athletics, I assume that means if they opt for the heptathlon on BBC 1, they can't show live any event, such as the high jump, which overlaps in part or in whole with it.
As it is, I think both the BBC swimming and athletic hosts and pundits offer the best commentary of any sport, and there were no issues with the swimming coverage because it is not possible for two swimming events to take place at the same time. [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 9:49]
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 10:06 - Aug 10 with 3250 views | Bent_double |
Haven't really noticed that to be honest, and I've watched nothing else (other than news) since it's been on.
Some is a bit repetative, that's understandable, and of course they're concentrating on events where Brits are well know/expected to do well, but surely every country will be doing that. But there is the iPlayer if you want to see some of the alternative/less fashonable sports.
What's this 'Discovery' thing that people are mentioning? Do they have some kind of deal to show it or something? If so, that's more concerning, as no doubt other sporting tournaments that should be free-to-air will eventually go the same way. |  |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 12:18 - Aug 10 with 3102 views | stonojnr |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 10:06 - Aug 10 by Bent_double |
Haven't really noticed that to be honest, and I've watched nothing else (other than news) since it's been on.
Some is a bit repetative, that's understandable, and of course they're concentrating on events where Brits are well know/expected to do well, but surely every country will be doing that. But there is the iPlayer if you want to see some of the alternative/less fashonable sports.
What's this 'Discovery' thing that people are mentioning? Do they have some kind of deal to show it or something? If so, that's more concerning, as no doubt other sporting tournaments that should be free-to-air will eventually go the same way. |
Discovery+ (WarnerBros/HBO or Max whatever theyre going to rename it soon) bought the exclusive pan European rights to show the Olympics from the IOC 6 years ago, which theyve renewed up to 2032 now.
the BBC have to go to Discovery and pay them money to show anything of the Olympics now, the amount they paid means they only get 250hrs of live coverage.
Discovery+ through their app/online subscrition portal show every sport live, a selection of which end up on Eurosport.
and the BBC is not FTA. you have to pay £169.50 per year to watch it. | | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 12:21 - Aug 10 with 3089 views | Bent_double |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 12:18 - Aug 10 by stonojnr |
Discovery+ (WarnerBros/HBO or Max whatever theyre going to rename it soon) bought the exclusive pan European rights to show the Olympics from the IOC 6 years ago, which theyve renewed up to 2032 now.
the BBC have to go to Discovery and pay them money to show anything of the Olympics now, the amount they paid means they only get 250hrs of live coverage.
Discovery+ through their app/online subscrition portal show every sport live, a selection of which end up on Eurosport.
and the BBC is not FTA. you have to pay £169.50 per year to watch it. |
Thank-you. But you know what I mean, and you can still watch BBC programs without paying the license fee - something I'm sure you can't do with Discovery. | |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 13:33 - Aug 10 with 3009 views | Ryorry |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 09:22 - Aug 10 by DJR |
The BBC are able to show two live events at the same time, one on the main channel and one on a broadcast stream, and, when it comes to athletics, I assume that means if they opt for the heptathlon on BBC 1, they can't show live any event, such as the high jump, which overlaps in part or in whole with it.
As it is, I think both the BBC swimming and athletic hosts and pundits offer the best commentary of any sport, and there were no issues with the swimming coverage because it is not possible for two swimming events to take place at the same time. [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 9:49]
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"As it is, I think both the BBC swimming and athletic hosts and pundits offer the best commentary of any sport,"
I'm a huge BBC fan, but couldn't disagree more with that. Discovery+ comms have been absolutely brill for the equestrian events in particular, incredibly knowledgeable, taught me a lot I hadn't previously known.
Compared with, eg, BBC's lack of the most basic info on the climbing (eg what holds are pre-provided, how do their feet grip on apparently smooth surfaces etc.). [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 13:43]
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 13:42 - Aug 10 with 2984 views | Ryorry |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 21:09 - Aug 9 by BrianTablet |
It's got to the point of embarrassing.
Poor Michael Johnson has to sit through it all.
Yes, well done to KJT, but come on, re-showing everything 10 times.
They could at least discuss the other events, even the ones with incredible performances by non-Brits. |
Michael Johnson is class though, wonderful insights & explainers. If we have to have talking heads much of the time, I'm glad he's one of them.
The young blonde lass, former Olympian herself, did an equally good job on the diving comps. | |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 14:56 - Aug 10 with 2887 views | DJR |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 13:33 - Aug 10 by Ryorry |
"As it is, I think both the BBC swimming and athletic hosts and pundits offer the best commentary of any sport,"
I'm a huge BBC fan, but couldn't disagree more with that. Discovery+ comms have been absolutely brill for the equestrian events in particular, incredibly knowledgeable, taught me a lot I hadn't previously known.
Compared with, eg, BBC's lack of the most basic info on the climbing (eg what holds are pre-provided, how do their feet grip on apparently smooth surfaces etc.). [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 13:43]
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I can't really comment because I don't have Discovery+ but maybe it is down to a lack of resources on the part of the BBC for something they don't have the exclusive rights to.
In my view, a lack of quality can't be said for, say, the athletics coverage, supplemented as it is by Colin Jackson, Steve Cram and Steve Backley.
Maybe it just helps that the presenters are female, an aspect praised by Des Lynam, but I would still maintain that the overall coverage of athletics and swimming is better than that of any sport, Olympic or not. And the fact that the teams are so well established and likeable only adds to it.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/olympics/2024/08/06/des-lynam-bbc-faith-female-prese [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 15:01]
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 14:58 - Aug 10 with 2874 views | Whos_blue |
I've rather enjoyed the coverage by the beeb.
Professional throughout. |  |
| Distortion becomes somehow pure in its wildness. |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 15:10 - Aug 10 with 2816 views | Ryorry |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 14:56 - Aug 10 by DJR |
I can't really comment because I don't have Discovery+ but maybe it is down to a lack of resources on the part of the BBC for something they don't have the exclusive rights to.
In my view, a lack of quality can't be said for, say, the athletics coverage, supplemented as it is by Colin Jackson, Steve Cram and Steve Backley.
Maybe it just helps that the presenters are female, an aspect praised by Des Lynam, but I would still maintain that the overall coverage of athletics and swimming is better than that of any sport, Olympic or not. And the fact that the teams are so well established and likeable only adds to it.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/olympics/2024/08/06/des-lynam-bbc-faith-female-prese [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 15:01]
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Ah, sorry, missed the words "swimming" and "athletics" in the post of yours I was replying to. my bad 
Can't read the whole DT article as I won't subscribe to it, but whilst the BBC presenting team have been great, I'd say that's because they are great presenters & broadcasters, not because they are female. I really dislike gender-ification of anything in most cases (with a very few generalised exceptions). | |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 15:44 - Aug 10 with 2784 views | OldFart71 |
Have enjoyed some of the coverage, but too much in filling. Giving the history of athletes and showing the same interview two or three times. Over the years the Beeb has lost so much of what was once great sports coverage. Now too much tennis and some obscure athletics events. The London marathon coverage to much the same every year. I know a marathon is a marathon. But the same presenters wheeled out every year and the same boring old music. I used to love the BBC coverage of cricket and horse racing, much better than Sky and ITV. Don't mind Olly, Matt and Luke. Can't stand Jason Weaver and not particularly keen on Chamberlin. | | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 19:25 - Aug 10 with 2618 views | Churchman |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 15:44 - Aug 10 by OldFart71 |
Have enjoyed some of the coverage, but too much in filling. Giving the history of athletes and showing the same interview two or three times. Over the years the Beeb has lost so much of what was once great sports coverage. Now too much tennis and some obscure athletics events. The London marathon coverage to much the same every year. I know a marathon is a marathon. But the same presenters wheeled out every year and the same boring old music. I used to love the BBC coverage of cricket and horse racing, much better than Sky and ITV. Don't mind Olly, Matt and Luke. Can't stand Jason Weaver and not particularly keen on Chamberlin. |
Agree with that. Way too much filling. The run up to the brilliant Hodgkinson and the awful Kerr was excruciating but I guess they had to show something. The constant changing from BBC 1 to 2 drove me nuts too.
On the positive side, the commentators on the swimming were good, as were the cycling people. I like Kenny’s enthusiasm/knowledge and Hoy’s knowledge. The people who did the skateboarding, diving: excellent. Athletics? Cram and Ratcliffe awful, the others good especially Michael Johnson who tells it as he sees it. Oh and that Matt Baker’s toadying up to Simone Biles irritated but the main people were fine.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed the Olympics, as I do most sporting events. |  | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 19:30 - Aug 10 with 2604 views | chicoazul |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 14:58 - Aug 10 by Whos_blue |
I've rather enjoyed the coverage by the beeb.
Professional throughout. |
Eurosport is much better. No endless hagiographies or as Opie alludes to analysis over the top of the action. |  |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 19:33 - Aug 10 with 2597 views | iamatractorboy |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 13:42 - Aug 10 by Ryorry |
Michael Johnson is class though, wonderful insights & explainers. If we have to have talking heads much of the time, I'm glad he's one of them.
The young blonde lass, former Olympian herself, did an equally good job on the diving comps. |
Michael Johnson was one of, if not my actual, favourite sportspeople and is now one of the best pundits. The man is a legend. | | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 19:36 - Aug 10 with 2593 views | Whos_blue |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 19:30 - Aug 10 by chicoazul |
Eurosport is much better. No endless hagiographies or as Opie alludes to analysis over the top of the action. |
Fair enough.
I'm not able to access it, so can't really comment on Eurosport, but I have enjoyed the beeb.
At least it wasn't on ITV! | |
| Distortion becomes somehow pure in its wildness. |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:30 - Aug 10 with 2537 views | crouchendyachtclub |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 13:33 - Aug 10 by Ryorry |
"As it is, I think both the BBC swimming and athletic hosts and pundits offer the best commentary of any sport,"
I'm a huge BBC fan, but couldn't disagree more with that. Discovery+ comms have been absolutely brill for the equestrian events in particular, incredibly knowledgeable, taught me a lot I hadn't previously known.
Compared with, eg, BBC's lack of the most basic info on the climbing (eg what holds are pre-provided, how do their feet grip on apparently smooth surfaces etc.). [Post edited 10 Aug 2024 13:43]
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Given their coverage was going to be limited to zero if UK athletes had been less successful, I don’t see that they really had any other option. The talent pool for good commentators who also have climbing knowledge must be pretty small so they were never going to send one over just in case. The headlines about wasted money for a pool of just in case experts just aren’t worth the marginal benefit.
To the original complaint, I quite like the catch ups they’re doing on the jumping/throwing events rather than just showing random bits here and there. When you’re in the stadium there are quite large gaps between events so we will be seeing most of the track action, just not all of it is live. | | | |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 22:42 - Aug 10 with 2368 views | Ryorry |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 20:30 - Aug 10 by crouchendyachtclub |
Given their coverage was going to be limited to zero if UK athletes had been less successful, I don’t see that they really had any other option. The talent pool for good commentators who also have climbing knowledge must be pretty small so they were never going to send one over just in case. The headlines about wasted money for a pool of just in case experts just aren’t worth the marginal benefit.
To the original complaint, I quite like the catch ups they’re doing on the jumping/throwing events rather than just showing random bits here and there. When you’re in the stadium there are quite large gaps between events so we will be seeing most of the track action, just not all of it is live. |
"Just in case" what? The climbing was brilliant no matter what the competitor's nationality - you're simply proving the 'chauvinism' criticism that another poster mentioned. | |
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| BBC Olympic coverage on 23:09 - Aug 10 with 2310 views | pete81 |
| BBC Olympic coverage on 22:42 - Aug 10 by Ryorry |
"Just in case" what? The climbing was brilliant no matter what the competitor's nationality - you're simply proving the 'chauvinism' criticism that another poster mentioned. |
Clare Balding is great.
Always think the cycling coverage is strong with the enthusiasm of Boardaman and Brotherton.
Still miss John Inverdale always thought he was class. |  | | |
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