Saturday, February 8, 2014

Why did NBC edit IOC president Thomas Bach's speech?


IOC president Thomas Bach said some interesting things in his opening speech, but NBC edited some of his it... Why? I don't know.

Folks were wondering why his speech sounded a bit off. Well, it was missing a big chunk of it. Here's the cut off part:
Now you are living in an Olympic Region. I am sure you will enjoy the benefits for many, many years to come. Thousands of volunteers have welcomed us with the well-known warm Russian hospitality. Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. Bolshoi spasiba, valantyoram! Thank you very much to everyone. Russia and the Russians have set the stage for you, the best winter athletes on our planet. From this moment on you are not only the best athletes, you are Olympic Athletes. You will inspire us with your outstanding sports performances. You have come here for sports. You have come here with your Olympic dream. The International Olympic Committee wants your Olympic Dream to come true. This is why we are investing almost all of our revenues in the development of sports. The universal Olympic rules apply to each and every athlete- no matter where you come from or what your background is. You are living together in the Olympic Village. You will celebrate victory with dignity and accept defeat with dignity. You are bringing the Olympic Values to life. In this way, the Olympic Games, wherever they take place, set an example for a peaceful society. Olympic Sport unites people. This is the Olympic Message the athletes spread to the host country and to the whole world. Yes, it is possible to strive even for the greatest victory with respect for the dignity of your competitors. Yes, Yes, it is possible - even as competitors - to live together under one roof in harmony, with tolerance and without any form of discrimination for whatever reason. Yes, it is possible - even as competitors - to listen, to understand and to give an example for a peaceful society.
This is so interesting and odd.

source

3 comments:

Anthony said...

Maybe it didn't fit NBC's awful "soap opera" style coverage of the games (or US vs Russian rivalries) via designating Russia as "our Arch-Enemy!" a la Lex Luthor if we see the Russians say something less-than-villainous-sounding? (Even if Russia *does* have problems...)

Either way, another reason I watched the coverage on CBC (via a VPN), and not regretting it...

Anthony said...

Er, sorry, it's the IOC president that said it. Still, maybe didn't fit the "must make the Russian games/Russia look like villains" image NBC wants? That or since everyone knows about the anti-gay aspects, NBC didn't want to offend less-than-gay-friendly viewers watching at home? Or just to fit in more commercials (though cutting the IOC prez's speech sounds like it should be some violation of their contract/an insult)...

Bob said...

Nice that the entire world was allowed to hear about anti-discrimination and tolerance, but over here in America, NBC [AKA No Body Cares] felt we didn't need to hear it.

The Stuff

My photo
Viktor is a small town southern boy living in Los Angeles. You can find him on Twitter, writing about pop culture, politics, and comics. He’s the creator of the graphic novel StrangeLore and currently getting back into screenwriting.