General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC Rss Feed  
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2011-12-02 3:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
JohnnyKay - 2011-12-02 11:11 AM
TheClaaaw - 2011-12-02 11:00 AM

Right before this, they broadcast hours upon hours of a golf game. Come on.

Honestly, golf on TV is far more interesting than triathlon--especially, IM racing.  My appetitite for either is about the same--fine in limited doses.  I say that and would MUCH rather spend my day SBR'ing than chasing a little ball around 18 holes.  Can you imagine how most people outside our sport would think about it?  Do you think many of them have even heard of Chrissie or Craig?  Or even Dave or Mark?

No, they likely haven't heard of them but it wouldn't take much (IMO) to do a fantastic backstory on either of them to make people interested. How can you NOT be impressed with what they have both done? I think a journalist worth their salt should be able to make it interesting. But yeah, it is a fringe sport and not likely to blow the masses away, but in the past they have done a nice job with the photography, etc. For me the backstories on random people are generally not that interesting, but that's me. Having said that, the backstory on Rudi Garcia-Tolson a few years ago had my wife (who honestly doesn't give a bleep about triathlon other than I do them) and close to tears in awe of what he has done.



2011-12-02 4:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

The reason it was 2 hours last year was because a good thirty minutes of the "show" was a damn commercial for ford.  The other years had some product placement but nothing so obvious and obnoxious as last year's!  I think they really went overboard with that crap. I hope the 90min version this year leaves that out. 

2011-12-02 5:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
ThomasGerlach ProTri - 2011-12-02 11:05 AM

Maybe we can hope that WTC is sponsoring the broadcast commercial free. Cool

 

Seeing as they have to pay NBC to put it on tv in the first place, I'm gonna guess no.

2011-12-04 1:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

I'll watch it, always do.  Always enjoy it too. 

I watched Australia's version that came out earlier than NBC's and it was horrible.  NBC's coverage would crush it.  Macca was interviewed and the Craig Alexander coverage was good but other than that horrible.  They should have just called it Craig Alexander does Hawaii. 

2011-12-04 5:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
Well I won't even have the option to watch given that my local NBC affiliate has decided to pre empt the Kona broadcast to show a local college basketball game instead. Feel free to bombard them with emails. KYTV in Springfield, MO.
2011-12-04 10:36 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

Watched many of the NBC broadcasts over the years. Now I tape the show & fast fwd through it looking at athletes' techniques (inc. pacing efforts of their S/B/R's) & equipment (bikes, wheels, hydration, etc.).  So I actually watch maybe 15-30min of the 90min coverage. At first NBC's human interest stories were engaging, but now it's just too much air time.  And since I started doing longer tri's I began thinking too many such stories are prob over-hyped garbage anyway.  Like hyping the 'tragedy' of some participants who DNF by early in bike leg due to fatigue (not injury, mechanical, illness, etc.).  Don't mean to be harsh, but seems to me those folks should have had a reasonable idea by late in their training they clearly lacked the fitness for the full 140.6 @ Kona.

IMHO NBC would have a much more entertaining product by expanding coverage of the various AG races- some of which can be very competitive.  This "race within the race" concept has been pretty successful for TdF TV coverage-even attracting fans who are not serious cyclists.  While GC is still main focus, Liggett, Sherwen, & the boys also cover the individual stages, jersey competitions, and yes even those riders struggling to finish before the time cut-offs. 



Edited by Oldteen 2011-12-04 10:37 AM


2011-12-04 12:39 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

While I'm not generally a fan of reality tv it seems to me like Tri training could be just as entertaing as other paint drying activities such as shopping (Exteme Cuponing), cooking, driving (ice road truckers), or junk collecting etc. 

Perhaps a reality show following a series of triathleetes training over a season would be entertaining and more inspiring than a once a year NBC show.

Start with few overly dramatized running injuries, a bike wreck, an open water panic.  Throw in someone who has lost a large amount of weight, and someone coming back from a life threatining illness.  Then mix that up with a 2 or 3 Kona qualifier types and you would have a season.

Pick a different large training club each season and follow a doezen of the members trim it down to the most interesting ones before you go to air.

While training is boring to watch I think of the line from the song "James Dean" - "I know my life would look alright if I could see it on the silver screen."

2011-12-04 12:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
NewClydesdale - 2011-12-04 12:39 PM

While I'm not generally a fan of reality tv it seems to me like Tri training could be just as entertaing as other paint drying activities such as shopping (Exteme Cuponing), cooking, driving (ice road truckers), or junk collecting etc. 

Perhaps a reality show following a series of triathleetes training over a season would be entertaining and more inspiring than a once a year NBC show.

Start with few overly dramatized running injuries, a bike wreck, an open water panic.  Throw in someone who has lost a large amount of weight, and someone coming back from a life threatining illness.  Then mix that up with a 2 or 3 Kona qualifier types and you would have a season.

Pick a different large training club each season and follow a doezen of the members trim it down to the most interesting ones before you go to air.

While training is boring to watch I think of the line from the song "James Dean" - "I know my life would look alright if I could see it on the silver screen."

 

I like it....I like it a lot.

2011-12-04 12:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
We get together with a bunch of teammates and drink beers and toast the pros.
2011-12-04 3:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

The only reason I got into triathlon is because I watched a Kona broadcast back in the 80s and it put the idea into my subconscious that this would be a fun thing to do some day if I ever got into shape and could run without destroying my body.

I thought it was pretty darn exciting to watch back then when I wasn't doing anything athletic (and had just thrown my back out trying to learn to run) and now that I know some of the players, I find it even more exciting to watch.

Our club has a viewing party but then I go home and watch it on the DVR because the party tends to get kind of loud.

2011-12-04 5:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
NewClydesdale - 2011-12-04 1:39 PM

While I'm not generally a fan of reality tv it seems to me like Tri training could be just as entertaing as other paint drying activities such as shopping (Exteme Cuponing), cooking, driving (ice road truckers), or junk collecting etc. 

Perhaps a reality show following a series of triathleetes training over a season would be entertaining and more inspiring than a once a year NBC show.

Start with few overly dramatized running injuries, a bike wreck, an open water panic.  Throw in someone who has lost a large amount of weight, and someone coming back from a life threatining illness.  Then mix that up with a 2 or 3 Kona qualifier types and you would have a season.

Pick a different large training club each season and follow a doezen of the members trim it down to the most interesting ones before you go to air.

While training is boring to watch I think of the line from the song "James Dean" - "I know my life would look alright if I could see it on the silver screen."

I've written a treatment for this in my head during many a trainer session. The name of the show is...wait for it...

Beginner Triathlete.

Anyone out there with a production company is more than welcome to contact me.



2011-12-04 7:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
marmadaddy - 2011-12-04 6:06 PM
NewClydesdale - 2011-12-04 1:39 PM

While I'm not generally a fan of reality tv it seems to me like Tri training could be just as entertaing as other paint drying activities such as shopping (Exteme Cuponing), cooking, driving (ice road truckers), or junk collecting etc. 

Perhaps a reality show following a series of triathleetes training over a season would be entertaining and more inspiring than a once a year NBC show.

Start with few overly dramatized running injuries, a bike wreck, an open water panic.  Throw in someone who has lost a large amount of weight, and someone coming back from a life threatining illness.  Then mix that up with a 2 or 3 Kona qualifier types and you would have a season.

Pick a different large training club each season and follow a doezen of the members trim it down to the most interesting ones before you go to air.

While training is boring to watch I think of the line from the song "James Dean" - "I know my life would look alright if I could see it on the silver screen."

I've written a treatment for this in my head during many a trainer session. The name of the show is...wait for it...

Beginner Triathlete.

Anyone out there with a production company is more than welcome to contact me.

Clearly aimed for late-night cable, far too little modesty and far too much profanity for prime-time network TV!

I'd watch it...on the trainer

2011-12-04 7:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
marmadaddy - 2011-12-04 6:06 PM
NewClydesdale - 2011-12-04 1:39 PM

While I'm not generally a fan of reality tv it seems to me like Tri training could be just as entertaing as other paint drying activities such as shopping (Exteme Cuponing), cooking, driving (ice road truckers), or junk collecting etc. 

Perhaps a reality show following a series of triathleetes training over a season would be entertaining and more inspiring than a once a year NBC show.

Start with few overly dramatized running injuries, a bike wreck, an open water panic.  Throw in someone who has lost a large amount of weight, and someone coming back from a life threatining illness.  Then mix that up with a 2 or 3 Kona qualifier types and you would have a season.

Pick a different large training club each season and follow a doezen of the members trim it down to the most interesting ones before you go to air.

While training is boring to watch I think of the line from the song "James Dean" - "I know my life would look alright if I could see it on the silver screen."

I've written a treatment for this in my head during many a trainer session. The name of the show is...wait for it...

Beginner Triathlete.

Anyone out there with a production company is more than welcome to contact me.

Sounds great to me I watch biggest loser on the trainer all the time and this sounds much better.

2011-12-05 7:27 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

For whatever it's flaws or boring parts, I'm eternally grateful for having stumbled upon the Kona broadcast a while back.  It motivated my nearly 300 pound to get up and do something.  I'd never heard of triathlon, but the huge field of swimmer caught my eye...when they ran out of the water to their bikes, I was too curious to change the channel.  I kid you not, I was loafing on the couch with a whole bag of Oreos and a giant cup of milk.  

 

Maybe by the time I tackle IMAZ next year (got my spot!) I won't care anymore, but for now I'm Excited to watch it.

2011-12-05 9:33 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

Its the same 90min show every year.  About 15 minutes spent on scenic shots. 15 minutes profiling pro atheletes, 15 minutes on feel-good story of handicapped atheletes, 10-20 minutes profiling military persons in race (especially if armed forces is sponsor that year), and the ballance of time spent showing race coverage shots.

Its all a bit formulaic but it improves viewership by the general, non-tri public. If you really enjoy Kona you need to watch the ~9hrs of race coverage on IronmanLive during race day.  (many prefer to watch grass grow.)

2011-12-05 9:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

pga_mike - 2011-12-04 1:55 PM We get together with a bunch of teammates and drink beers and toast the pros.

We do the same and host a little party! It's a great way to get the club together in the "off season" and have a little holiday triathlon party.



2011-12-05 12:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
2011-12-05 12:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
 I agree with most everyone on here.  90 minutes is plenty long for the average Joe who knows nothing of the sport.  For us "crazies" it could be an all-day production and we would be fine with it, but that is just the nature of the beast.  Fortunately, I had the great opportunity to compete this year (in through lottery) so I will have my eyes glued on the TV next weekend.  I have been looking forward to since I got back.
2011-12-05 12:57 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
Will DVR (deleting last years to make room) and will be watching when riding the trainer.
2011-12-05 2:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC

wow just saw this thread.

 

I am one of NBC's featured athletes this year on the broadcast.  I was selected in September fromNBC/Ford to go to Kona.  I am athlete 138, the teacher from Illinois. Look for me.

2011-12-05 2:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
Decatur217 - 2011-12-05 2:00 PM

wow just saw this thread.

 

I am one of NBC's featured athletes this year on the broadcast.  I was selected in September fromNBC/Ford to go to Kona.  I am athlete 138, the teacher from Illinois. Look for me.

Wow, how cool is that--one of our own featured! Did you do a race report?



2011-12-05 3:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
Decatur217 - 2011-12-05 3:00 PM

wow just saw this thread.

 

I am one of NBC's featured athletes this year on the broadcast.  I was selected in September fromNBC/Ford to go to Kona.  I am athlete 138, the teacher from Illinois. Look for me.

I absolutely will! I'd love to hear how that came about.

2011-12-05 8:23 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
Sweet!  I'll look for you!
2011-12-05 8:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
Decatur217 - 2011-12-05 2:00 PM

wow just saw this thread.

 

I am one of NBC's featured athletes this year on the broadcast.  I was selected in September fromNBC/Ford to go to Kona.  I am athlete 138, the teacher from Illinois. Look for me.

I like to remind myself that no one really cares about triathlon outside of us and our families....it's really easy for me to stay focused and gounded that way....beside the fact that it's true.

However.....I would venture a guess you have told more then a few of your students that you will be part of the coverage, and they WILL watch.  In my book, THAT'S a great reason for you to be featured.  Hopefully you will inspire someone to live a more healthy lifestyle.  Good work!

 

2011-12-06 8:29 AM
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Subject: RE: Reduced Kona 2011 Coverage on NBC
I feel they do a pretty good job with the coverage. I don't necessarily want to watch 17 hours of live coverage of an Ironman. I always felt they had a good balance of coverage between the pros/winners & those of us that are mere mortals. I am looking forward to the broadcast.
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