Kona 2013 NBC Broadcast- How Was It?
I thought it was the best coverage I have seen to date.
I’m pretty sure I’m a qualified critic, since I have watched several of the Kona videos dozens of times. It’s because we play them at Energy Lab during class until we are asked to retire that year.
It would be nice to have more coverage of the pros and top age groupers, but that is clearly the opinion of someone who is totally immersed in the sport. My take is generally that if there were no celebrity and special interest stories, then it wouldn’t be interesting enough for non-triathletes to watch. That seems to be the opinion of most triathletes I talk to who care enough to discuss it.
That said, I really enjoyed Kelly’s take on the coverage and her view seems to be (and correct me if I’m wrong, Kelly!) what’s actually going on with top age groupers and pros is interesting enough. In other words, if their journey, trials, charity work, etc. were actually featured then we could accomplish the dual purpose of appealing to the masses while also making the whole thing less fluffy and more of a play by play of the actual race.. which would then lead to more money, perceived public legitimacy, and prestige of the sport.
As far as minor improvements, my idea would be to have a Kona broadcast for the masses and then an extended version that was more a play by play of the pros and top age groupers. Many triathletes would be interested in such a broadcast and while it would never make network television, perhaps they could make it available for download or order for a small fee. I know we would order it for the studio! Someone on slowtwitch mentioned that the broadcast makes it sound like anyone who’s not in the top 5 PROS is merely hoping to make it to the bike cutoff and finish before 17 hours, and yeah, I can kind of see that.
Although I would like to have seen more on the RACE, I understand my opinion has no credibility as far as mirroring that of the average viewer. I would rather watch raw Ironman footage on repeat for 24 hours straight then be forced to watch a football game all the way through.
As far as this year’s special interest stories, I thought they were more interesting than usual but that might be because I have more exposure to the two ‘celebrities’ who competed this year, Hines Ward and Gordon Ramsay. Particularly Hines.. although I mentioned I’d rather be tortured rather than watch football, Hines is local and trained on the routes and roads that are familiar to every triathlete in the area. Also, it was his personality that made him worth watching. He was humble and cool and now I can see why he is so well-liked
Is that Hines on Columns Drive?
I thought the other folks showcased were deserving and the stories were well-done. I teared up when the woman competing as an amputee finished just seconds after the 17 hour mark and when Harriet Anderson just made it in time.
I also appreciate how IRONMAN is surveying the tri club members to get their take on the broadcast. Just the fact they are soliciting feedback shows that they’re open to future changes. What did you think about the 2013 Kona broadcast?
