Is Anybody Happy Out There?

You know they're out there somewhere.

For some of them, it's almost a way of life.

No matter what the sports event, be it big or small, it's almost a given that somebody's gonna complain about the television coverage. Be it the people announcing the event, the network's style of presentation ... pretty much anything is game for certain people. They're just never happy. Unless they're bitching about something or someone.

With that thought in mind, it might be wise to take what you're about to read with a rather healthy grain of salt. But there's a part of me that also wonders if maybe there's something to what I'm about to describe.

Troll around some of the commentary about the Vancouver 2010 Olympics coverage and there seems to be a growing level of dissatisfaction — and outright outrage — at what's being presented on both sides of the border. Or, more precisely, what is not.

The whining about NBC's slick, thoroughly package coverage is rather predictable. It's a refrain we've heard many times over the years, even if some are taking it to a new level.

What's a little more startling is the level of vitriol being directed in some corners at the CTV/Rogers consortium that's carrying the "home games" in Canada (check out the comments section in this blog post and this one to see what I mean).

What's got these folks up in arms? Among the complaints:

— Too much style, little substance on Olympic Morning.

— Difficulty in knowing what's on what network and when.

— Too many technical glitches.

— Over the top cheerleading for Canadians athletes.

— Not nearly enough coverage of non-Canadians.

In short, the overriding sentiment is the consortium isn't CBC, the public broadcaster which set such a high standard in bringing the last seven Olympics to Canadians. And yes, there are plenty of 'bring back the CBC' cries already (even though bitching about the Mother Corp. is almost a hobby for many folks in this country).

While there is a certain level of validity to the above (ahem) concerns, painting the entire operation with the same brush is probably more than a little unfair. For the most part, the pictures presented during Vancouver 2010 have been outstanding. Several of the packaged features are extemely well done (we're fans, in particular, of Rick Hansen's Difference Makers segments and the fascinating science of sport features, titled Super Bodies).

The work of Rod Smith and Catriona Le May Doan at the long-track speed skating venue is worthy of acclaim. Figure skating is in good hands with Rod Black and the pairs analysis of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier was widely judged to be first rate. John Kucera and Kelly Vanderbeek have been nice additions on alpine skiing. And the always quick witted James Duthie and Mr. Olympics, Brian Williams, have delivered as usual from the studio.

No, this hasn't been the complete disaster that some are painting it. But the message is clear: Canadian Olympic viewers have high standards and if you don't meet them, you'll hear about it.

Over to you, CTV/Rogers consortium ...
*****
No matter what you may or may not think of the coverage, one thing is indisuputable — Canadians are invested in the Vancouver Games like no other television event before it.
Huge ratings numbers continue to roll in each day and show no signs of stopping. Some 7.1 million viewers tuned in to see Alex Bilodeau receive his men's moguls gold medal. Rogers Sportsnet has broken network audience records for two straight nights. Online views at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSOlympiques.ca are through the roof.
And this was before the men's hockey tournament began. Much as Canada-Norway turned into an ugly 8-0 blowout tonight, we're betting plenty stay glued to their TVs right to the end.
It's been that kind of story at Vancouver 2010.
And we've only just begun.