For the last few weeks, bloggers have been ripping one on the Peacock’s Olympic coverage.
The blogosphere (no link provided) focuses on NBC’s greed (saving the good stuff until Prime Time) and coverage’s irrelevance since Yahoo or CNN is happy to tell us what happened in advance. The drum beat, this time around, is as “don’t watch that crap” as ever. For once, we are upset about commercials? (soccer).
But in my case, I humbly disagree with the pundits and the traffic seekers. They are just bitching. The reality for me is that the coverage is inspiring, well packaged and served to me at the most convenient time (night) – just like since I was a little kid. Eat dinner together, watch the competition, end the night on the medal stand. Get up the next day and try to be a champion too.
Part of our ethos, as an entrepreneurial nation, is to strive for excellence and make all the sacrafices necessary. That’s the running story line this Olympics. If you pay attention to it, nothing but good things can happen in your life, regardless of how ordinary you think it is.
I find the Olympic prime-time programming superior to the blah sitcoms and sketchy reality shows that are available. Compared to news or political coverage, NBC’s coverage is an oasis in hell. The story lines are inspiring: Parents supporting their kids, who are grateful to them for it. Teens, tested, and then achieving life long dreams. A surging sense of national pride, watching our athletes give all and overcome intense pressure.
If Missy Franklin, the USA Fab Five or the redeemed Michael Phelps can’t put a lump in your throat – you really shouldn’t be following me or this blog. This might be better for you.
All positive stuff, really. Sure, there are a few sideshows about arrogance or lack of commitment, but they pale when compared to the positive emotion driving moments displayed to us in HD. Who really cares if they are real time? When I was a kid, they had Olympics across the world, and all the media cooperated. You really didn’t know who would win. The new media players aren’t willing to play ball, so armed with “spoiler alert” disclaimers, they attempt to reduce our tele-experience into a headline.
I recommend families gather together over the next few days and feed their mind positive stuff. If nothing else, take a break from the hate machines online, on the box and on the tube. Spend some time with winners. With all the negative news swirling around us, we need to Feed Our Mind Good Stuff.
