NBC & Disson Skating Extend Contract

[purplecat]

NBC Disson Skating Extend Contract Through 2011

As a fan of pro skating, and skating in general, I'm happy NBC will be showing Disson Skating shows through 2011! I know some people hate these shows, but I enjoy them and think any skating on TV is a good thing especially with the doom and gloom of the USFS and ISU TV contracts.

Of course I'm thrilled Kristi's show will be back next year!

 

[Tonichelle]

YEAY!!!!! Good news to hear... as they run the US coverage of Kurt's special...
he is doing one this next season, right?

 

[Pixie Cut]

YEAY!!!!! Good news to hear... as they run the US coverage of Kurt's special...
he is doing one this next season, right?

They don't run U.S. coverage, they produce the show.

Disson buys the airtime. So it's not NBC that extended the contract, it's Disson who extended the contract.

 

[iluvtodd]

YAY! finally some good news about skating on TV. I realize that not everyone loves these shows (with the concern over the balance between showing the skating and the musical guest), but at least we'll still get to see the pro side of the sport for the next few years. Now I still wish there were also more of the serious pro competitions ...

 

[SeaniBu]

Good aspect that you pointed out Pixie Cut.

Now I still wish there were also more of the serious pro competitions ...

ITA with vigor!!!!!!

 

[R.D.]

Could be the only skating left on network TV (and probably all TV, actually)...

 

[Tonichelle]

They don't run U.S. coverage, they produce the show.

Disson buys the airtime. So it's not NBC that extended the contract, it's Disson who extended the contract.

yeah you're right... color me *stupid* I'm well aware of who is in charge of coverage...lol... I mistyped and didn't catch it. My bad...

 

[Tigger]

There will indeed be another Gotta Skate this year. I'm hoping after having to miss the last two, I'll be able to attend. So far, my feet and knees are behaving and I didn't come across any ice *yet*, so...

For those wondering about that up there. I've had to miss the last two Gotta Skates due to foot and knee surgery recoverys. So far this year, so good!! I know my parents hope so too. I did much whining and moping over not just missing seeing Kurt and the rest, but also not getting to see Bocelli and then BNL live too.

 

[astimegoesby]

YAY! finally some good news about skating on TV. I realize that not everyone loves these shows (with the concern over the balance between showing the skating and the musical guest), but at least we'll still get to see the pro side of the sport for the next few years.

The balance between showing the skater and the musical/non-skating performers at these shows could be easily fixed by just splitting the screen in half so the skater and singer/non-musical performer could both get their fair share of screen time and those of us watching at home won't have to miss out on seeing any of the skating. But apparently no one at Disson/NBC seems to have gotten this message yet. :banging:

My other main complaint about these shows is the fact so many of them focus on just one performer/genre of music (Michael Bolton on Ice, Country on Ice, etc.) While I still enjoy most of the programs at these shows individually, watching two hours of nothing but country music programs, programs to Andrea Bocelli, etc. can get a little monotonous after a while.

That's why Kurt and Kristi's shows have always been my favourites among the Disson specials...they've always managed to have a good variety of skaters and different types of programs while still keeping the main theme of the show intact. I'm glad to see both shows will be back next year.

Now I still wish there were also more of the serious pro competitions ...

I could not agree more with this statement!

 

[Pixie Cut]

The balance between showing the skater and the musical/non-skating performers at these shows could be easily fixed by just splitting the screen in half so the skater and singer/non-musical performer could both get their fair share of screen time and those of us watching at home won't have to miss out on seeing any of the skating. But apparently no one at Disson/NBC seems to have gotten this message yet. :banging:

That would cost $$$$, something they don't spend on these shows.

 

[astimegoesby]

That would cost $$$$, something they don't spend on these shows.

Well, if the cash-strapped public network CBC was able to find the $$$ to use a split screen during Kurt Browning's "Bring Him Home" program with Michael Burgess singing live back in 1992, I don't know why NBC/Disson can't find the $$$ to do the same during these specials 15 years later. That's something I've always wondered ever since these "skating to live music" shows first became popular...

 

[Pixie Cut]

Well, if the cash-strapped public network CBC was able to find the $$$ to use a split screen during Kurt Browning's "Bring Him Home" program with Michael Burgess singing live back in 1992, I don't know why NBC/Disson can't find the $$$ to do the same during these specials 15 years later. That's something I've always wondered ever since these "skating to live music" shows first became popular...

The budget on Kurt Browning's 1992 special was quite large. I don't think ANYONE would spend that kind of money on skating today. The Disson Skating shows are a for-profit venture, and as long as they're making money while spending little, they're not changing one lick of the formula.

Having been to a few skating shows where there were live musical performers, I can say it was quite entertaining. Gave the performance a certain energy. But on TV it just lays on the plate like yesterday's vegetables.

 

[SeaniBu]

Picture in picture video would not cause that much of a cost increase for it not to be practical on a network budget. How much time and effort would anyone think that takes? It is not much.

 

[SeaniBu]

What ever happens, I hope they keep Terry. I really do like Dick, Peter and Peggy don't really want to loose any of them! But it is obvious how he is a "true / typical" sports caster, and his comments are vital to the "sports spin." A great in between for viewers IMO. And Also PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep Suzy, I love her and her commentary.

 

[Pixie Cut]

What ever happens, I hope they keep Terry. I really do like Dick, Peter and Peggy don't really want to loose any of them! But it is obvious how he is a "true / typical" sports caster, and his comments are vital to the "sports spin." A great in between for viewers IMO. And Also PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep Suzy, I love her and her commentary.

That's ABC. The Disson shows are "entertainment" shows on NBC.

The ABC/ESPN contract with U.S. Figure Skating ends with the final USFS event in a couple of weeks. That was a deal where the network paid for the rights to air skating competitions.

On the other hand, Disson pays NBC for the air time to broadcast the shows he produces. USFS can probably be on ABC forever if they want to pay for the air time. But that's really not what they want.

 

[heyang]

I don't understand how the cost of a split screen is prohibitive, especially since it wouldn't need to be split during the entire show. No all the music is live at these shows.

Personally, I can do without the skating-gymnastics spectacular.

I also enjoy Kristi and Kurt's shows the best because of the variety. I like Boitano's too, except when he had the tribute to the Ice Follies. Kristi's show is probably my favorite now because it's so much fun seeing everyone's kids.

 

[SeaniBu]

That's ABC. The Disson shows are "entertainment" shows on NBC.

The ABC/ESPN contract with U.S. Figure Skating ends with the final USFS event in a couple of weeks. That was a deal where the network paid for the rights to air skating competitions.

On the other hand, Disson pays NBC for the air time to broadcast the shows he produces. USFS can probably be on ABC forever if they want to pay for the air time. But that's really not what they want.

Ya, I know I guess the wrong thread, thought the message would carry over. Ooops.

It seems like the double edged sword scenario, don't pay to televise and you'll likely lose money because there will be less sponsors and viewers interest. If it appears to be diminishing, people will also be more likely to just let the concept be their guide to future viewing. Sticky situation Speedy has lead FS to isn't it?