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The 2024 Paris Olympics on Social Media

The 2024 Paris Olympics on Social Media

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the television industry finds itself at a crossroads. With viewership habits evolving and competition for audiences fiercer than ever, networks, agents, and content creators are strategizing to captivate a new generation of viewers.

The Changing Landscape of Olympic Broadcasting

Traditional TV networks face unprecedented challenges in maintaining the Olympics' relevance. A recent Ampere Analysis report revealed that sponsorship revenue has grown ten times faster than media rights revenue since the last Games, indicating a shift in the event's commercial dynamics.

In the U.S., Peacock's foray into sports streaming for the Olympics remains under scrutiny. Meanwhile, in Europe, Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) decade-long deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is coming to an end, paving the way for new broadcasting arrangements.

Attracting Younger Viewers

Networks are reimagining their content strategies to appeal to younger audiences. The BBC, for instance, has moved away from traditional athlete interviews in favor of creating short, engaging content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Ron Chakraborty, leading the BBC's editorial coverage, emphasizes the importance of "powerful digital content" featuring athletes and celebrities that can be shared across multiple shows and platforms.

The Role of Agents and Influencers

Talent agencies are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping Olympic coverage. Mark Ervin of WME notes that brands are already looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games when considering partnerships with athletes.

Agencies like UTA are brokering deals to bring celebrities and influencers into Olympic coverage. For example, SNL alumnus Leslie Jones and actor Terry Crews will join NBC's team, creating pre-packaged content to engage viewers.

The Next Generation of Olympic Stars

As legendary athletes like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps retire, the industry is eagerly anticipating the emergence of new Olympic icons. While established stars like LeBron James and Simone Biles continue to draw attention, rising talents such as French swimmer Léon Marchand and American sprinter Quincy Wilson are poised to make their mark.

Leveraging Social Media and Streaming

With UTA IQ research indicating that 80% of U.S. Olympic viewers plan to engage with content on social media platforms, broadcasters and agencies are partnering with creators to reach new audiences. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are becoming increasingly crucial in Olympic coverage strategies.

The European Broadcasting Union's New Deal

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has secured a landmark deal with WBD and the IOC, ensuring free-to-air coverage across Europe from the next Olympics onwards. This arrangement promises to give local broadcasters more control over their Olympic content.

WBD's Comprehensive Coverage

Despite the changing landscape, WBD is set to provide extensive coverage across its Eurosport channels, Discovery+, and Max. The company plans to offer 3,800 hours of content, including all 329 medal ceremonies, across 47 markets and 19 languages.

The Paris Opening Ceremony

The Games will kick off with a highly anticipated opening ceremony along the Seine, expected to draw billions of viewers worldwide. Despite some local skepticism, industry insiders remain confident that the "Olympic bug" will captivate Parisians and global audiences alike.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the industry's efforts to reinvent Olympic coverage for a new generation will be put to the test, potentially reshaping the future of sports broadcasting.

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