The internet has changed so much. It used to be that the networks had some control over everyone knowing the results before they aired taped coverage. Those days are gone.
The IOC is going to cater to NBC. NBC is their biggest licensee (is that the correct term for it?). Put the biggest ratings draw (now that NHL players are out of the Olympics this is even more true) in the middle of the night and NBC is going to lose money.
I for one am selfishly happy I won't have to do like I do during CoC and NHK and become a Zombie for 2 weeks. Sucks for those of you in Europe though. :-(