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Monday, 17 July 2006 |
British Swimming chief David Sparkes questions 2008 Olympics proposals
British Swimming chief David Sparkes has questioned proposals to hold finals at the 2008 Olympics in the morning, just because the American network NBC wants swimming and gymnastics finals to be held earlier than usual in a bid to suit its audience.
David Sparkes is reported to have said: "I'm sure the athletes and coaches would prefer evening finals. That's what they've been trained to do over the years.
"It's a question of whether you're (trying) to satisfy one particular audience or a worldwide audience."
NBC wants the finals to be held in the morning in China so they can be broadcast in the evening in America, when audiences are at their peak viewing time.
The NBC network has paid $894m (£491m) to broadcast the Games, compared to the European Broadcasting Union's outlay of $443.4m (£244m).
However, David Sparkes said: "The danger is that you'll change the programme every time the Olympics moves around the globe to suit whoever's paying the biggest investment. That can't be right for the audience who are watching it.
"If we make a decision for Beijing, will we have to change it again for London?"
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 July 2006 )
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