When I think about the future of figure skating I often wonder if the sport would attract more young skaters if a few changes were made. I can think of a few right off the bat.
3. Some exciting format competitions like they have with Dancing with the Stars. Perhaps where the audience can vote? Whatever happened to Skating with the Stars? Not enough viewers?
That's fine if you want to do it for pro-ams or exhibition events. But If skating wants to maintain its Olympic status, there is no way they would ever shift to a fan based voting/judging system. First it would favor large countries or ones with sophisticated communications infrastructure. This would actually shrink the pool of viable nations. This already happens on American Idol. If you come from a small, low population state, you have little chance of making it unless you are the reincarnation of the Beatles. Second, the best or most skill skater would be less likely to win if he/she happens not to be the most popular. This has happened on DWTS the last two seasons and for most of its winners. Sure skaters could campaign in advance (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to build up their fan bases and it may increase popularity, but it would de-legitimize skating as a sport and feed into all the pervasive arguments already made about judged sports. It would just become a popularity contest.
What skating needs is to find a consistent marketing strategy between national federations and the ISU that embraces skaters from foreign countries rather than ignoring them. That way, when or if they succeed, it won't go unnoticed outside their homelands. They need to negotiate common sense TV/internet contracts that don't discourage viewership. They also need to create a schedule aimed first at maximizing performance for the athletes. Good skating attracts more viewers. Tired, worn out skaters doesn't.
Other elements like vocals in programs outside dance are a good idea. Also, simplify the protocol read out and put it up on the jumbotron and tie to scores to camera shots of the judges for fans to see. That way, they are not in the dark about what the point total means. And mandate that broadcasters have to be clearer when explaining scores and rules. All other sports leagues/organizations do it. So should skating. It that means having an official on call for the broadcasters (a la golf) or explain an arcane rule, then so be it.
Also, make skating more internet friendly. More on-demand video playable on handheld devices. Scores sent directly to someone's phone. Video interviews with to skaters on federation websites. If they are not already doing it, the ISU should also organize charity and pr appearances for top skaters at ISU comps, especially worlds. Pro skaters did this all the time and it helped build audience appeal.
