The BBC has faced a wave of criticism for its coverage of the Winter Olympics, with viewers voicing their frustration loudly online. Despite having a seasoned team of broadcasters like Clare Balding and Winter Olympic icons such as Lizzy Yarnold on board, fans are saying the same thing: the coverage is falling short. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, describing it as “abysmal” and the “worst [Olympics] by an absolute mile.”
The main gripe? A lack of continuous coverage on BBC channels, leaving viewers hopping from event to event without a clear focus. With TNT Sports streaming over 850 hours of Olympic action, viewers are noticing a significant drop in live coverage on the BBC compared to previous years.
Repeated broadcasts and video tapes are also a point of contention, with fans clamouring for more live events, especially those involving British athletes. One viewer lamented, “Why aren’t you airing things that Team GB are actually in?” A common complaint echoed the sentiment of missed opportunities to catch events in full, like snowboarding and ice hockey, without sudden interruptions or channel changes.
Before the Games, BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski had promised viewers all the best action and unmissable moments from Milan-Cortina. Yet, fans are still waiting for the broadcaster to deliver on that promise, calling for a refocus on engaging, live content that truly captures the spirit of the Winter Olympics. 🌨️🏅📺