Skating Coverage in the US good or bad?

[icedancingnut31]

What do you think about american skating coverage on tv? I personally HATE US coverage. They show like 10 skaters (less for ice dancers) and most are American, as well as the top 3 and some random skaters that don't even medal. I watched worlds on Eurosport and the coverage was the way it should be. They show all the competitors and the whole event, not just some skaters. So the events are on for 3 hours or more instead of 1 hour. Eurosport is like watching an event in person. It is all live and they show every single skater or couple's performance. Why does the US not do that? All their events are pre recorded and they only show such a small percentage of the skaters and for ice dancers less. Does anybody else think US networks hate ice dancing? Why is ice dance singled out and get so much less coverage than the other disciplines( besides Synchro)??

 

[PolymerBob]

My biggest complaint about American coverage is that they show an event 4 days or more after it happens.

 

[icedancingnut31]

My biggest complaint about American coverage is that they show an event 4 days or more after it happens.

And they don't show even a 4th of the competitors. They show only like 10 people, the americans, the top 5 and then a few they pick at random

 

[janetfan]

And they don't show even a 4th of the competitors. They show only like 10 people, the americans, the top 5 and then a few they pick at random

I agree, and wish we had more inclusive coverage.
On the other hand, as some have noted, Button at times talks enough so that an hour's worth of coverge can seem much longer

 

[iluvtodd]

Well, I've got a soft spot for Uncle Dickie, Terry Gannon, and Paul Wylie, so I miss the ABC/ESPN coverage a lot. I do remember that back in 1996 that ABC covered the top two flights of the Men's event at Worlds. That's the kind of coverage I want & miss the most! I don't mind the fluff pieces (that give insight into the skaters' backgrounds), as long as the skating gets shown too.

 

[icedancingnut31]

Well, I've got a soft spot for Uncle Dickie, Terry Gannon, and Paul Wylie, so I miss the ABC/ESPN coverage a lot. I do remember that back in 1996 that ABC covered the top two flights of the Men's event at Worlds. That's the kind of coverage I want & miss the most! I don't mind the fluff pieces (that give insight into the skaters' backgrounds), as long as the skating gets shown too.

But Eurosport shows every skater, so compared to them, US coverage is just bad. When I watch worlds on Eurosport I can actually see the compulsory dance (unlike the in US) and I will see every single performance. And Eurosport is so much more pleasant to watch because I think Dick Button (Does he have an off button?) talks constantly so you can't hear the music and the when the Eurosport guys commentate, they don't insult skaters and they are quiet for most of the time so one can enjoy the skating and is not distracted by Dick Button's endless chatter.

 

[janetfan]

But Eurosport shows every skater, so compared to them, US coverage is just bad. When I watch worlds on Eurosport I can actually see the compulsory dance (unlike the in US) and I will see every single performance. And Eurosport is so much more pleasant to watch because I think Dick Button (Does he have an off button?) talks constantly so you can't hear the music and the when the Eurosport guys commentate, they don't insult skaters and they are quiet for most of the time so one can enjoy the skating and is not distracted by Dick Button's endless chatter.

Good points - but maybe it depends on the skaters and their performance as to how much talking goes on.
Recently Joe recommended watching a young skater "Brezina." The Euro clip picture was great but the commentary non-existent. Just silence. Then, watch a clip I just put up of the Duchesnays - and you will hear Euro commentary at the highest level of "babbling" I can ever recall hearing. They talk more in one skate than Button might talk covering 3-4 skaters. But it was the situation and the Euro commentary was good - but very chatty.

Listen to Button talk about Yuna. Then listen to the Euro team. Button tells us what he sees - and reports what is "happening" on the ice - the Euro team probably had to be rushed to the closest hosptital for heart transplants - such was their praise for a "perfect Yuna." Button found her very good, but far from perfect. Watch Button call Yuna's 'Die Fledermaus" and you will hear critical but accurate commentary.

It just gets down to what we are familiar with and like. Most Americans have never in their lives heard skating commentary without Button. So we are used to him, accept that as the last 2-time Men's OGM that he must know something about skating.

 

[seniorita]

i had given you homework concerning Eurosport guys, have you done it?????
You ve seen few clips, watch more!And when d/d where on tv, was it the same guys as now in eurosport?
Does it have to do whether you are OLy champion or not to be a good commentator???Have all the champions successful commenting carreer?I have listened to Stoijko once commenting in worlds i think 2003, does this mean he was as good on tv as a skater?

I enjoy mr buttons commentary a lot, total respect to his career, but you have to admit he speaks too much most of times, unnecessary talking sometimes, and some other times he is ruining it by saying 'ugly positions etc", does this help the audience?
It is neither technical for COP (he doesnt explain why this is ugly or bad in terms of Goes, level , something) nor it adds something to the commentary as an artistic sport.

I dont know why I m rampling about UK ES and Button, the most probable thing is that I will have to watch all season either in Russian or French.:sheesh:

PS. Bring back Terry and I ll move to USA!!!

 

[Buttercup]

I had a long post and the computer ate it. So I'll try to recap at least some of it:

icedancingnut31, I agree that ES is a great option if you can get it. They don't talk too much or go into conspiracy theories, and the coverage when it's on is thorough and very good. My one problem is that the scheduling at Eurosport is awful, events constantly run over the time they think they will take, so there I'll be tuning in to watch, say, TEB, and find myself faced with evil snooker :scowl:. Sometimes they don't even scheule skating to begin with - e.g. they only started showing GPs again this past season, and in 2008 showed almost nothing from Euros because they were broadcasting the African Nation's Cup. But overall, yes, they are very good when they're on.

Janetfan, no, I don't think they talk more than the US broadcasters. The Duschesnays were years ago, not sure it's even the same team. But normally they let the skating speak for itself and just point out stuff here and there. They do tend to emphasize the positive over the negative, even for weaker skaters, but true gushing is not that common. I also appreciate that they try to explain the judging system rather than complain about it.

Here's an example: Samuel Contesti's LP at Euros 2009. They give a bit of info on the skater, point out the jumps, cheer him on a couple of times and say the program is fun. That's more or less it until the end, when they point out that although fun, there were mistakes that might keep him off the podium (wrong there, of course). But I think they're genuinely happy to see skaters do well, and I for one like that.

I think it's no coincidence that the ES guys seem to be so popular in the favorite broadcaster poll here.

ETA: I just wanted to add that the Contesti cideo was not the best example I could think of, but British ES videos have become difficult to find . Here's another one I found - Lambiel's 2007 Worlds SP. It wasn't a great skate, but still... I miss Stephane.

 

[seniorita]

In USA we have seen Michelle, we know good spirals when we see them. We also know that when you lose balance and put your hand down on the ice after a jump it was far from perfect.
What is wrong with telling the audience the truth?

So its all about geography...:sheesh:


I dont want raw truth , I want fairy taleees!
I have to admit one more reason I like them -apart from their commenting and their humor- is that ES guys have sexy accent
dont give mm his magnified glass

 

[janetfan]

I had a long post and the computer ate it. So I'll try to recap at least some of it:

icedancingnut31, I agree that ES is a great option if you can get it. They don't talk too much or go into conspiracy theories, and the coverage when it's on is thorough and very good. My one problem is that the scheduling at Eurosport is awful, events constantly run over the time they think they will take, so there I'll be tuning in to watch, say, TEB, and find myself faced with evil snooker :scowl:. Sometimes they don't even scheule skating to begin with - e.g. they only started showing GPs again this past season, and in 2008 showed almost nothing from Euros because they were broadcasting the African Nation's Cup. But overall, yes, they are very good when they're on.

Janetfan, no, I don't think they talk more than the US broadcasters. The Duschesnays were years ago, not sure it's even the same team. But normally they let the skating speak for itself and just point out stuff here and there. They do tend to emphasize the positive over the negative, even for weaker skaters, but true gushing is not that common. I also appreciate that they try to explain the judging system rather than complain about it.

Here's an example: Samuel Contesti's LP at Euros 2009. They give a bit of info on the skater, point out the jumps, cheer him on a couple of times and say the program is fun. That's more or less it until the end, when they point out that although fun, there were mistakes that might keep him off the podium (wrong there, of course). But I think they're genuinely happy to see skaters do well, and I for one like that.

I think it's no coincidence that the ES guys seem to be so popular in the favorite broadcaster poll here.

Thanks for such interesting thoughts buttercup.
I have no idea how good the ES team is because I only hear them now and then (after the fact) when watching a clip.

. The idea that you might listen either in silence, or only hear "positive" comments about skaters who are making mistakes is very strange to me.

I think the biggest probelm right now in USA is a lack of interest which equals a credible lack of broadcast time. We just don't see enough.
I think your comments and also those of seniorita are fine. The truth is right now the problem in USA is not so much "bad commentary" but a lack of coverage.
Glad that those of you in Europe get to see so much more. :yes:

 

[seniorita]

In plushy's case in OLys I was still in greece and there we get english eurosport, they were so excited that I forgot his faults in performance, when he doubled flip, they said"the first flaw... but it doesnt matter..", they kept silent most of the time like they were also watching anxious, they didnt disturb me from watching, and in medals they said they will go celebrate his win with wine Now that was a happy moment.
Maybe i ll move to england for Olys

 

[janetfan]

So its all about geography...:sheesh:


I dont want raw truth , I want fairy taleees!
I have to admit one more reason I like them -apart from their commenting and their humor- is that ES guys have sexy accent
dont give mm his magnified glass

You have unusual views since most consider the greatest weakness of Brits to be their unfortunate cuisne and a general lack of sexiness.
But to each their own

 

[Dee4707]

You have unusual views since most consider the greatest weakness of Brits to be their unfortunate cuisne and a general lack of sexiness.
But to each their own

Wow, I hope Ant doesn't see this cause if he does, you're in some really hot water!!!!

Sorry but I happen to agree with Gail, Iluvtodd, that's what we watched for so long.

 

[seniorita]

Bad cuisine yes, but no lack ..
Robin Cousins

Yes Dee you made it sure Ant wont see it

 

[janetfan]

Wow, I hope Ant doesn't see this cause if he does, you're in some really hot water!!!!

Sorry but I happen to agree with Gail, Iluvtodd, that's what we watched for so long.

I am not sure I understand your point - but I did notice the large type

And Ant, for better or worse is full of "Tango blood." It is why he can't resist Plushy

And why does the world laugh so hard over "Austin Powers?"
It is just a silly paraody of how Americans view Brits. The movies are funny, no?

 

[Buttercup]

The idea that you might listen either in silence, or only hear "positive" comments about skaters who are making mistakes is very strange to me.

No, if a skater is screwing up they'll say so - watch the Lambiel link in the ETA. He was not in good form and they said so, even that the spins were subpar for him; and they said the PCS was reputation based, which is as harsh as they will go. BTW, that program was lovely, a shame we didn't get to see it performed a few more times.

What I meant is that even for the lower tier skaters/pairs/dance teams - which we actually get to see on ES - they'll almost always find something positive to say. And the silence, well, I don't need constant chatter. Just point out the elements because not everyone can recognize everything, and if you have any thoughts, share them with the viewers while we wait for the scores.

 

[janetfan]

No, if a skater is screwing up they'll say so - watch the Lambiel link in the ETA. He was not in good form and they said so, even that the spins were subpar for him; and they said the PCS was reputation based, which is as harsh as they will go. BTW, that program was lovely, a shame we didn't get to see it performed a few more times.

What I meant is that even for the lower tier skaters/pairs/dance teams - which we actually get to see on ES - they'll almost always find something positive to say. And the silence, well, I don't need constant chatter. Just point out the elements because not everyone can recognize everything, and if you have any thoughts, share them with the viewers while we wait for the scores.

I basically agree with you. One of my favorite Tennis commentators was Chris Evert. Chrissie seemed to always find ways to point out a players good points and strengths. She never did that much commentating but I always enjoyed her positive take on a match and the participants.
Unfortuantely, I haven't seen a Worlds or Olympics for years now where we got to see the lower part of the draw.

 

[beep_beep]

My problem with commentators (all of them, just not the Americans) is when they simply can't stop yapping during the performances, and it's soooo distracting.
I can't forget Uncle Dick (Peggy too for that matter) pouring his heart out during Kwan's FS at the 2003 worlds. To me, it almost makes this beautiful program unwatchable.
Being fair to Fleming and Button, the Japanese commentators and Tarasova also can't stop talking and it's even more distracting for me, because I can't understand anything that they're saying. Scott Hamilton well, is Scott Hamilton. He's a great skater, sure, but I want to poke my ear drums at the first sign of his commenting.

As for TV coverage, I'm in Brazil, so I don't get any at this point.

I'll watch any cr*p quality, bad commenting, spazzy internet feed I can get my hands on. But I do have a preference for French (that guy is hilarious) or British Eurosport if the option is presented.

 

[seniorita]

No, if a skater is screwing up they'll say so - watch the Lambiel link in the ETA.

what is ETA? i m not good with abbreviations
I remember also their Euro 2006 comments when he had a big prob in his footwork, they saiid "come on stephan", I think they transfer me in general a good feeling that everything will be ok, especially if one of my favs faults!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkMYSnxUoJI

Beep Beep you can watch online fs from some sources (paid service), if you need help just send a message