Many have criticized NBC for its dismal coverage of the opening ceremonies of the Rio Olympics for inane comments, numerous commercials interruptions, and a bizarre decision to repeatedly play over the ceremony music with an interview from one of the creators on the “vision” underlying the ceremony (that NBC was not showing). Whether it is the general controversy over the selection of Rio or the NBC coverage problems, the viewers are not tuning in — at least thus far. The ratings are substantially below those of 2012 and 2008. Indeed, the rating are even below 1992 levels.
Here is the current shakedown:
1. London 2012 – 36.8 Million
2. Atlanta 1996 – 34.4 Million
3. Beijing 2008 – 30.6 Million
4. Barcelona 1992 – 27.0 Million
5. Seoul 1988 – 24.4 Million (Rio 2016 – 26.7 Million)
6. Athens 2004 – 24.0 Million
7. Sydney 2000 – 23.9 Million
