I've Sent A Letter To NBC Sports

[rabid1st]

And I quote...

I never stop coming to a restaurant or frequenting a store without telling the manager why. I feel this gives a business an opportunity to improve. I have decided to stop watching your Olympic coverage after tonight's gymnastics all-around. I care very much about what happens in that event, otherwise I would have stopped watching your coverage last night. The gymnastic commentators made some very ugly remarks about the Japanese Gold medal winner, ironic ones in the face of their sycophantic support of Team USA, but those remarks simply reflect the appalling coverage your network has provided.

It may surprise you to learn that I watch the Olympics because I enjoy the international participation and camaraderie that they are supposed to symbolize. I also enjoy learning about obscure sports that are not as popular in the US. I enjoy seeing our athletes win, of course, but what truly brings a tear to my eye and makes me look forward to the Olympics are the stories about people like "Eddie the Eagle" or the members of the Jamaican Bobsled Team. I shudder to think what sort of coverage you would have given to Nadia Comaneci. Are there interesting stories from other countries this year? Who knows? You've spent your time having hair-gelled lightweight Ryan Seacrest, who frankly, doesn't know much about sports, do fluff pieces about towels. You have hours of tape delay to come up with narrative and you create this pablum? At least dig up a few sports commentators and allow them to cover THE GAMES...not just the USA!

I think Michael Phelps is amazing. But I don't appreciate hearing all about him and nothing about other teams except in relationship to how many times America has beaten them. Seriously, the French swim team was equally astounding and I should know what they have for breakfast, too. That young girl from China...YU...was a genuine phenom, look at her stroke. And all your announcers had to say about her was that she should be drug tested? I know you have budget concerns. But less time evaluating pub food and more time interviewing athletes from other countries is sorely needed to keep this viewer's interest, never mind my respect. I can only hope you never get the Olympic coverage again. But if you do, perhaps you might consider those of us who avoid all spoiler knowledge in the hopes of sending some ratings your way...only to be so very disappointed in your jingoistic juggernaut of poor sportsmanship.

Comments

[wickedgillie.livejournal.com]

AMEN.

[adriana-is.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness, so very well said. I applaud you.

[amythest-n-ice.livejournal.com]

So...you're a bit miffed with them then? *g*

You'll have to let us know what stock reply they send to this, always assuming of course that they have the single grain of common courtesy that causes them to actually respond.

[lea724.livejournal.com]

Beautifully put!

[phdelicious.livejournal.com]

Co-signed!

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I was a little worked up. :GRIN:

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Just a tad miffed, yes! You read between the lines to pick that up, right? *wink*

I did wonder if they would reply. You are right, it will probably be some stock answer about them being television professionals.

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think my family is sick of me ranting about this, though. I should let the email go now. Le Sigh!

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your support. We need a petition to boycott NBC, right?

Rae
who must be upset, because I really hate petitions. :grin:

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

High Fives (Ones?) you with my Dalek plunger!

[yumimum.livejournal.com]

Very well said. Excuse me while I sit here and applaud.

LOUDLY.

[wickedgillie.livejournal.com]

Plungerbump!

[amythest-n-ice.livejournal.com]

It was subtle, but I picked it out, lol.

Nah, I was thinking more like this as a stock answer;

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you have enjoyed our Olympic coverage.

We at NBC Sports would like to thank you for your continuing support for this, and upcoming, events.

'cause, you can bet they only have one Olympic comment e-mail prepared, they will assume everyone loves their coverage.

[thisficklemob.livejournal.com]

I have only seen one day's worth of Olympic coverage, and I spent most of it with it either on mute, or watching the basketball station -- for which they've hired actual basketball commentators, including Lisa Leslie, as announcers. And while they're not above stating the obvious (the U.S. women do have the deepest team -- the starters and the bench players are about tied for scoring and other stats), they give due respect to the other teams and players most of the time.