Global Ethics Corner: Televising the Olympics: Where Is the Sport?

Mar 5, 2010

Does the quest for high television ratings deter Olympic sportscasters from focusing on strategies and techniques of sports? Should Olympic coverage focus more on the game than on athletes' personal stories?

Has the TV coverage of the Olympics lost the essence of sports?

Clearly, for the athletes there are few higher goals than an Olympic medal. A few say that, in a long career, it's only one competition among many. But most feel honored just to be included, and even the iconoclastic Bode Miller was thrilled to win, place, and show.

Past changes have sparked controversy. However, the struggle between amateurism and professionalism is over. Corporate commercialization of the Olympic brand is foregone, since there seems no better means of funding. Accommodating competitions to TV markets and schedules is a necessity.

Perhaps, these issues remain minor themes. So, what's the beef? Well, where is the sport, not just the winning and losing?

One ideal was, "The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle …." The media has given us heart-wrenching emotional stories, which are enthralling. But, similar personal struggles with adversity occur in every aspect of life.

What about the sports-struggle, mastering the techniques and strategies in each sport? With the exception of curling, technique and strategy seemed underplayed; personal stories overplayed.

How about Apolo Ohno's disqualification in the 500 meter? When is a hand-touch offense or defense? A new scoring system in figure skating emphasizes technique, but there was little explanation of those techniques so viewers could watch informed.

What do you think? Are sports' techniques and strategies underplayed? Or, is a more personal touch the best approach?

By William Vocke

You may also like

JUN 17, 2025 Podcast

Empowerment, Ownership, & Agency: Building an Inclusive AI Future, with Jimena Viveros

Lawyer and AI expert Jimena Viveros explores why bridging the digital divide between the Global South and North is both a moral and economic imperative.

I'm Still Here poster. Credit: VideoFilmes/RT Features/MACT Productions/IMDB.

JUN 4, 2025 Article

Ethics on Film: Discussion of "I'm Still Here"

This review of the Brazilian Oscar-winning 2024 film "I'm Still Here" explores ethical issues surrounding Brazil's 20th century military dictatorship and parallels to today.

MAY 20, 2025 Podcast

Character not Compliance, with Edward Brooks

Oxford's Dr. Edward Brooks joins "Values & Interests" to discuss how embracing ethics can unlock better thinking, relationships, and outcomes in our personal and professional lives.

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation