London 2012 was ‘biggest ever US TV event’

| 14/08/2012

USAIN-BOLT-LONDON-OLYMPICS-2012.jpg(BBC): NBC's coverage of London 2012 was the "most-watched television event in US history", the TV network has announced. Citing Nielsen ratings figures, NBC said more than 219 million viewers watched the Games on its networks, compared to the 215 million who tuned in for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The network broadcast some 5,535 hours of Olympic coverage on TV and online. But it drew criticism for delaying the broadcast of popular events until primetime hours. Viewers also complained of problems with online streaming and edited versions of the opening and closing ceremonies. Sunday's closing ceremony – which was cut down by almost an hour and omitted such acts as Muse and Ray Davies – drew an audience of 31 million people.

Yet NBC enraged some viewers by leaving the ceremony at 23:00 local time to air a new sitcom, Animal Practice, and then half an hour of local news.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    NBC coverage was absolute rubbish.

    Clearly they have no idea about sports broadcasting.

    At least Cayman 27 managed to get some half decent coverage. Well done to them.

  2. Cmon son says:

    C'mon son!!! @ NBC for showing Water polo instead of the 100m track and field finals! C'mon son again!!! @ NBC for showing volleyball over the track and field 4×100 relay finals!!

    Viewers of NBC had to wait until 9:30pm to watch these events on the day they happend. Terrible failure