Airing the Olympics: Comcast’s Brian Roberts & Michael Cavanagh 07/31/24
Jul 31, 2024
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Brian Roberts, the Chairman and CEO of Comcast, and Michael Cavanagh, Comcast's President, discuss NBCUniversal's extensive Olympic broadcasting rights and the evolving media landscape. They reflect on viewer engagement and innovative strategies for the upcoming Paris 2024. Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA 2028, shares insights from organizing the Los Angeles Games and the management of a $7B budget while prioritizing sustainability. The conversation also highlights the excitement around Olympic sports, including a playful fencing segment with Olympians.
Comcast's leadership emphasized the emotional storytelling and cultural connections that the Olympics foster among diverse global audiences.
LA28's sustainable planning focuses on utilizing existing venues and minimizing environmental impact, aiming for a positive legacy from the 2028 Olympics.
Deep dives
Insights on Hosting the Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been praised for their high energy and viewer engagement, with opening day ratings significantly exceeding those of the previous summer games in Tokyo. Comcast's leadership highlighted the importance of storytelling and the emotional connection that the Olympics creates, fostering a sense of unity among viewers and celebrating athletes from various nations. Brian Roberts, Comcast's CEO, emphasized that the event showcases personal achievements and cultural interaction, alongside the logistics of coverage involving a vast team working diligently behind the scenes. With memorable moments such as the U.S. gymnastics team's historic performance, these games have underscored the value of sports in promoting collaboration and sportsmanship.
Sustainability in Future Events
As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, a new approach toward sustainability has been adopted, with a budget of $6.8 billion focused on not building permanent venues. Casey Wasserman, chair of LA28, articulated the city's strategy of utilizing existing infrastructure and minimizing environmental impact, a contrast to previous Olympic models which often entail significant construction. The commitment to sustainability aims to leave a positive legacy for Los Angeles while ensuring that the operational aspects are well-managed and efficient. By learning from Paris's organizational strategies, LA aims to create an event that redefines the Olympic experience.
Emerging Sports and Growing Popularity
The 2024 Olympics feature new sports such as cricket and flag football, reflecting a shift in viewer interests and opening doors for broader engagement. With over 10,000 new youth members joining USA Fencing, the growth of lesser-known sports is evident, showcasing an evolution in Olympic offerings to appeal to younger audiences. The introduction of events tailored to contemporary interests signifies the potential for increased sponsorship and investment. This diversification not only enriches the Olympic experience but also enhances community involvement and inspires future generations of athletes.
TV Ratings and Broadcast Innovations
The success of the Olympic broadcasts has been attributed to innovative offerings that enhance viewer experience, including multiple camera angles and strategic digital interactions. NBC's coverage strategy focused on storytelling, incorporating personalities and narratives to engage the audience more deeply, leading to surging ratings across various platforms. The integration of live streaming and traditional broadcasts on networks like Peacock has provided audiences with unprecedented access to Olympic events. Comcast executives reflected on the significant increase in viewership, which highlights the potential for future growth in both traditional and digital media realms.
Paris 2024 is NBCUniversal’s 18th Olympics. Brian Roberts, Comcast Chairman and CEO, and Michael Cavanagh, Comcast President, discuss the company’s broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games, state of the media landscape, NBC’s NBA rights deal, and their outlook for media and sports. Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin then look ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA with Casey Wasserman, chairman of LA 2028, the company organizing the upcoming Los Angeles games. He shares what he’s learned from France’s organization and how he’ll allocate his nearly $7B budget. Plus, en garde! The Squawk team swaps mics for sabers, taking a swing at fencing with the help of Olympians Miles Chamley-Watson and Maia Chamberlain. Catch all the Olympics events on Peacock and NBC.
Brian Roberts & Michael Cavanagh - 22:51 Casey Wasserman - 14:02
