NBC responds to Olympic fakery accusations

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The glow of NBC's Olympic ratings victory threatens to be sullied this morning by reports that the Beijing Olympic Committee and the network have been less-than-scrupulous in their presentation of the Summer Games.

Organizers are accused of mixing in fake CGI fireworks during Friday night's opening ceremony, while NBC is said to have added a bogus "Live" stamp to tape-delayed West Coast feed of competition coverage this weekend, and edited the "parade of nations" segment of the opening ceremony to delay the entrance of the U.S. Olympic Team.

Let's take a look at each report, along with a response from NBC Sports.

Accusation: That viewers were misled by the use of CGI fireworks during a sweeping helicopter shot leading up to Bird's Nest National Stadium. Organizers note the fireworks were there, but the footage was created in advance due to the danger of shooting live from a nearby helicopter.

NBC Response: An NBC Sports spokesperson says U.S. viewers were informed of the manipulation. Commentators Matt Lauer and Bob Costas said the fireworks were a digital effect. From the opening ceremony transcript during the fireworks in question:

Lauer: "You're looking at a cinematic device employed by Zhang Yimou here. This is actually almost animation. A footstep a second, 29 in all, to signify the 29 Olympiads."

Costas: "We said earlier that aspects of this Opening Ceremony are almost like cinema in real time. Well this is quite literally cinematic."

Analysis: Mixing real and CGI fireworks during an Olympic event is visually misleading, though NBC did try to address the issue. The question is, during a spectacular-looking shot, do the phrases "cinematic device" and "almost animation" really convey that the image wasn't real? It seems more to hint that something about it wasn't quite literal, while coming shy of saying -- in far more clear and simple terms -- "this is a digitally manufactured shot to represent what's happening right now outside the stadium." (More thoughts on this issue with additional video).

Accusation: That NBC is time stamping West Coast feeds of competition coverage with a "Live" tag even though the coverage is not live.

NBC Response: A spokesperson points out the constant "Live" tag is accompanied by twice-per-hour time stamps that inform West Coast viewers that the event was only live on the East Coast (ex. "10:05 ET").

“The audience makeup of the Olympics is very much like that of ‘American Idol’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ which have ‘live’ season finales presented in much the same way,” an NBC Sports spokesperson says. “You assume there’s a large amount of intelligence in the viewing audience, so when they see those twice-an-hour time stamps they’ll understand what is being presented.”

Analysis: If a sporting event's feed isn't live, a broadcaster should avoid using an omnipresent "live" tag. The best reason to have this tag on a West Coast feed (and to not put a clear "tape delayed" notice) is for the same reason some are incensed –- it gives viewers an impression of live urgency that isn't quite there. Like with the fireworks, the original complaint is mollified by the facts, to a degree: to a casual viewer the coverage shows one thing, while to somebody paying close attention, it shows something slightly less exciting.

Accusation: That NBC edited the "parade of nations" from the original order to delay the entrance of U.S. athletes.

NBC Response: An NBC Sports spokesman says the order was unchanged.

Analysis: Editing a sporting event like a reality show to save the most eagerly awaited moments for the conclusion would be an issue -- if it were true. As it is, online reports have provided no real evidence.

--- THR.com's complete Summer Games coverage ---

Comments

[Dr. Robotnik]

Fake but accurate?

[TexasJim]

In the original story the ChiCom spokesman said "he was worried that technologically literate viewers who spotted the join might be critical...", so give yourselves a pat on the back.

Ya know, they could have put 20 cameras on the ground and done it live, but Nooooo not in the Democratic Peoples Republic of China. Loose cameras? Ha!

[Atlanta Media Guy]

People in the West Coast and Mountina Time Zones chould call your local affiliates and tell them to take the East Coast feed. The more people that call the more chance they might just react. Sorry LA I'm sure the afiliates, which are owned and operated by NBC will not budge, but the louder you get they might just relent. Also call the sponsors and tell them. The advertisers do control their purse strings. Enough with this delayed stuff. We want our Olympics LIVE and our TV's. Thank God they are doing more LIVE events online then they ever have before. Call those affiliates the more you call they just might change their mind.. There is time to see Phelps and 6 more chances at Gold.

[William Wild]

Where are the soccer games. All I see is swimming and the easy stuff to cover. There are many soccer fans in the USA and you are not covering the games. Granted you howed some before the indoor stuff started. and most of that was 2 AM or worse time. Where are the soccer games. Thank You Bill Wild

[Peter Gray]

Not seeing the Olimpics live again is very disappointing. My friends in Europe always have the choice of watching the events live, even if it at 3AM. I hate this NBC bs.

[Ruth]

I would gladly watch yet another delayed broadcast here on the West Coast if it meant I never had to watch another pathetic, Chinese-government endorsed "human interest" story!

NBC spends more time trying to "find the human angle" (GAG) than actually showing the events themselves. Between NBC's phoniness and the Chinese government offering "solid documentation" that all their gymnnasts are at least 16, I've had enough of these Olympics. State-sanctioned child abuse combined with the NBC nonsense is too much for me to take.

[Dick Woollen]

Several of the members of the public who submitted comments about the broadcast times of the Olympics seem to have been unaware of the 15 hour time difference between, for example, our pacific coast and
China. "Live" is in the eyes of the beholder

[Wu Tang Fu]

Fake the way NBC likes it.

[Steve]

If the FCC can be duped by a small interest group (members of the Family Research Council emailed the FCC en masse through FRC's website) into enforcing indecency regulations in the wake of the Janet Jackson Super Bowl incident, why shouldn't the FCC punish NBC on its deceptive and false advertising (and stamping) of supposed "live" broadcasts?

It infuritates me that they can label something live that isn't.

[van melton]

President Bush, was kind enough to give "the wig" some time, The UNITED STATES is far from perfect, but by WHAT right does Costas have to state "given the Problems the United States has..." The olympics is not the place for such a comment, right or wrong...maybe the wig IS glued on to tight!!
Wig should keep his comments to the area of his modest talents, sports.

[Libertarian_Thinker]

Now if only the critics would be so incensed about the networks spinning and using their artistic license while reporting the news and politics. If they showed actual reality the phenomenon that is Obama would have far less glitter.

[christy]

I'm so glad I decided not to watch. I'd hate to think the most exciting topic at the olympics was Bob Costas wig.

[Koblog]

NBC report the truth? You gotta be kidding.

It's all fake--from leg-tingle Matthews in the cellar clear up to Olbermann in the attic talking to himself and folding tinfoil hats.

Why should NBC's sports coverage be any "truer?"

[Bull Ensign]

The announcers misled the viewers...accidently or purposely...by saying that the Americans would appear "about one third of the way" in the parade.

[Wamus]

Everytime I turn on the Olympics the is a dam volleyball game on - why don't you show some other event. I turn it off each time.

[Mary]

Who has time to watch such boring stuff????? It's a huge waste of time.

[John Meyer]

I watch the East Coast feed on satellite, and I can state with certainty that many of the events labeled "live" were in fact taped because I had already seen the outcome in news reports. I don't think anything that NBC has shown on television anywhere in the U.S.A. is actually being broadcast in the same hour as it happens.

[Keydet78]

It is really sad because it is all about the money. I remember when I was growing up and the being excited about staying up late to watch the Olympics lives with some of the big events starting at mid-night. Now in the greatest technological age we have to have it edited and spun so that they can get the maximum advertising dollars. It has become so much easier to just get the internet for the results and if I see something I might want to tune into they so be it. Otherwise, I can choose to tune NBC out.

[MIchael]

Who cares if they put some extra fireworks in to make it look like it happened!?! It happened and they did what they could to make it awesome for the viewers at home. And who cares if it says LIVE or not? Some people are so ridiculous! Enjoy the games for what they are and what they stand for. Stop looking for every little flaw in a huge system. You go and do it better, and then we'll all complain about something you did. Stop ruining the beauty of the Olympics for all of us that love it and care about what it really stands for. If all you can do is complain about it, don't watch it!

[Robert]

I did not notice that there were sporting events on between the commercials and human interest stories. Is that what this is about? Sports? I thought it was just a big advertisement about China...

[Chris]

The Bob Costas interview of President Bush was incredible. Costas was never condescending, always interesting in his questions, and asked such a variety of important questions. That guy is so literate and intellectual! NBC is lucky to have him.

[Scot]

Firstly, NBC didn't fake any coverage. The feed is monitored and supplied to all the international broadcasters by Beijing Broadcasting. NBC has only the rights to televise that feed in the U.S. I was watching the "live" coverage and never did I once assume it was real once I heard commentary to the contrary. As far as I'm concerened, it was no worse than lip-synching which is already done in "live" concerts! Could the FX segment been better communicated to viewers? You bet, but I wonder how much NBC really wants to push past the Beijing officials when they have to deal with them for another 10 days. I think NBC said enough to cast doubt that the segment was taped without making it a mockery to the host country.

[Cranky Media Guy]

"The cost of taking the LIVE tag off the delayed broadcasts in Mountain and Pacific Time Zones would be enormous."

Utter nonsense. All NBC would have to do is superimpose a "Recorded Earlier" tag OVER the "live" one. It's done on other shows all the time. Very little cost involved.

[Scot]

As for the "LIVE" tag, having lived on the West Coast for years, everyone knows it's taped! Nor do I see a reason for NBC to feel obligated to broadcast any of it live. They are in it to make money. That's why it's called the broadcasting "business." If the Games were to be presented as a public service, then the U.S. government would be absorbing the expenses for them to be televised on PBS!

My advice: if you don't like the coverage, plan to attend the games next time. Otherwise, sit back, enjoy the spirit and brotherhood of the events and stop moaning about the politics or operations of the telecast.

[Bill]

Shameful but not unbelievable. Isn't this what pop culture is all about today. Package the performer for perfection. Can we say - "Obama?"

[cmp]

The comments made throughout the parade of nations about atheletes from small nations not getting medals was extremely inappropriate. They repeatedly said that the parade was the entire olympics for some of those atheletes. It was rude and condescending. I also thought they had shown the parade of nations in a different order.

[mbviews]

nbc is doing a fantastic job on this olympic coverage and this is really grasping at straws.

[Todd]

The "real news story" should be about the pathetic banter that Bob Costas and Matt Lauer managed to keep up during the entire ceremony. It must have taken a tremendous amount of effort on both of their parts to find so many demeaning and discourteous to say about so many different countries.

For the good of the country, someone please send the Olympics back to ABC.

[Scot]

The Beijing officials decided on the contents and order of the Opening Ceremony, not NBC. It was reported before Friday's coverage that the parade of nations would be a different order than previous Games. Again, the host country rules. As far as commentary, I don't see what's so rude about mentioning that some countries get medals, and some do not. It's fact-based, not projection.

[Ben]

I work as an advertising executive and understand that NBC is trying to make as much money as possible by broadcasting everything in prime. However, this is a once-every-4-years event that should be shown live across the US, even more so since it is on the East.

Most people I know missed the 4x100 mens relay since it was broadcast after 11pm on a Sunday. What a joke. If they had broadcast it live, it would have been on about 8:30pm in LA which would have had much higher ratings.

NBC is a joke anyways and is the #4 network behind FOX, CBS & ABC. Getting rid of Leno was a great idea too. Only going to help FOX or ABC and hurt NBC some more.

[Joe Blowe]

Juanita Broaddrick!!!
Do we have to be reminded of how NBC will manipulate the news?
As an "official Sponser of the Clinton Presidency" it buried the Juanita Broaddrick story until "those in power" could spun and discredit it.
Sound familiar?
How about the current attempts to discredit those (like Bela Karolyi) who cliam China is cheating at these Olympics?

[joe]

Some of you are missing the point *entirely*. They did NOT say we were watching a computer simulation of the feet going to the stadium. I assumed it was real, but inside, I felt queasy, like I was seeing something FAKED. I was right. The problem is that the network knew we were watching a simulation, but failed to inform the audience. Fireworks, no-biggie. Wait until you see CGI tanks and rockets on a "Live Feed" of some obscure place and we decide to go to war over the "Live Images". BTW, I think the TAICHI overhead views of the big "Circle" were faked too. Go check it out. Too perfect. Too CGI like. No this isn't China bashing, this is NBC bashing. Shame on NBC.

Here's a couple for for you....I set the Time Warner Cable HD DVR to record the Opening Ceremonies and double checked it three times. Low and behold it didn't record the program.
I also set the Direct TV DVR to record the ceremony. When I played it the next morning it locked up thirty seconds into playback; when I rebooted the box it erased the ceremony. Coincidence, I don't think so.
NBC wants to drive traffice to the website. RETIRED NBC guy

[Chasen]

Where I live in New York we get a Canadian Feed of the Games. I watched the Opening Ceremony beginning at 6AM Friday and avoided all of NBC's hype.

[Thomas]

What NBC truly needs to answer for is its gushing over the communists, describing anti-communists and protesters as "party crashers".

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/10/nbc-nothing-but-communism/

[Scot]

If you stop watching the Games, or watch the Canadian feed, then the ratings will fall, and the networks won't spend the millions of dollars to obtain the rights to televise. Unfortunately, while this might tame the Olympics to became more about the spirit of competition, it will probably also mean the death of coverage on American TV. Forget about it being a "once-every-four-years" event. So are political conventions, and look how those have been all but ignored by TV!

[Steve]

I like Bob Costas. Overall, I like the coverage. They have had some problems (mic problems, bad info about what's next, etc.) and you can see that Costas is not happy about that either.
As far as his interview with the President, he tried to ask a couple sports questions, and followed up with a couple tougher political timely questions.
Yes, the US does have some problems (denying that is just stupid!) and I voted for him twice.
Stop complaining and enjoy the games!

[Scot]

Granted, you could read alot more into the Opening Ceremony than it just being big, bold and beautiful. It certainly did showcase the community of nation over that of the individual. The performances were almost robotic in nature. One could argue that it wasn't natural. That it was just too perfect and precise to be real. You could also argue that it was over-produced and a waste of money. But there was something eerily hypnotic about the Ceremony, too. Could it be that we know no American host city could ever pull-off such a feat?

[Larry]

NBC said:

“You assume there’s a large amount of intelligence in the viewing audience, so when they see those twice-an-hour time stamps they’ll understand what is being presented.”

As usual, we have quite a bit more "intelligence" than the NBC staff. Do you actually think we are glued to the TV for the entire hour watching the 45 minutes of commercials? This is the worst coverage I've ever seen. No wonder I don't watch NBC.

[Christimarie]

I live on the west coast and I hate the delay in the broadcast. Eight o'clock is too late anyway. Let's face it, most of us work and staying up until midnight is NOT an option. Why can't the coverage start at 5 p.m.? Oh, right, broadcasters live in ivory towers and don't understand that the freeways in southern California are jammed by 6 a.m.