^^ Thanks so much for posting @golden411icecoverage. I guess it's silly to expect anything interesting to be said on these shows. That's one reason why I have liked TSL's slant on bringing us up-close and personal interviews with skaters and coaches, in which we have a better opportunity to get to know skaters. So much more in-depth than the networks' fluff pieces have ever been.
I have to say it is just so obvious that USFS works closely with NBC and the skating commentators to get out what the U.S. federation's skinny/ preferences are. It's quite clear, especially since the skaters who do have opportunities but are not seen as top favorites are given short shrift. NBC really could have and should have done a much better job with the all of the discussion, particularly for men. They don't even mention the injuries to Josh Farris and Richard Dornbush. Most of the focus is on Max Aaron, who I feel is likely to win too, but in honesty, anything is possible. Not really enough was said about Adam Rippon either. And what about guys like Grant, who performed well on the GP, and he has a quad. Ross Miner has some great programs this year, and Tim Dolensky at his best is a wonderful performer. NBC really should offer us more, particularly if they ever have any hopes of broadening their audience base in the U.S. It is the die-hard fans really who know more about the sport and the skaters than the networks have ever provided.
It seems that USFS preferred to skip over the coincidence and seriousness of four top U.S. men's skaters out with injuries. And they didn't mention Jeremy and what he's doing now. I think this kind of limited surface coverage is sad and offers very little to encourage growth of viewership in the United States. People don't understand the sport, and creating new graphics isn't going to help either, unless you are a fan who already has been following the sport. I guess we can expect more of the party line drivel in terms of commentary, on the IceNetwork wrap-up shows.
I am interested in tuning into the Skate Radio broadcasts during NBC's coverage, since I haven't heard them before.
ETA:
Again, I'm disappointed with most of the coverage but as a skating fan, I guess it is par for the course, and our expectations should always be low regarding enlightening and engaging coverage. I had hoped that Johnny and Tara could bring something extra, but they are working for a corporation and simply have to fall into the corporate culture way of doing things, which is about adhering to middle track and not going out on a limb to be too provocative, thoughtfully investigative, or to do anything different at all to show what really makes the sport so fascinating. This is especially true with ice dance and pairs where Chock/Bates and Scimeca/Knierim are shoo-ins because they are seen as having the best standing internationally. Yes, it's true that these teams have had the best showing on international stage, but that's also because they have been supported and encouraged after S/K in particular got the quad twist and with C/B's coach having huge standing and C/B for years being seen as the heirs apparent. C/B haven't done a whole lot this season to justify being runaway favorites though. You can tell they are being pumped up because they are the only ones with a fluff piece. I find it so galling because the Shibs have had a fantastic season and are being relegated to, "Oh, they will be the audience favorites," but wink wink, they have no chance to win. The whole figure skating political scene to me is just hurl worthy.
(well, they will show Dance and Pairs, but it will be some time later)
for all the videos.
