The 2010 winter Olympic Games in Vancouver are just around the corner! Who do you turn to for Olympic coverage of the gold, silver and bronze? In the past, I have always looked to the major networks, NBC, CBS and ABC for scores, times and new world records because I know that they have accurate and up to date information. Interviews between network reporters and Olympic athletes are an important part in Olympic media coverage, but have remained professional, hence somewhat static in the past. What’s a better way to get the inside-scoop and behind-the-scenes info? …social media.
USA women’s hockey player and three time Olympian Angela Ruggiero demonstrates her extensive use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, website, blog, podcasts and YouTube via her Flip camera) in this video clip:
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned social media in the past, trying to uphold exclusive contracts with broadcasters. The rules used to explicitly state that only “accredited” media could cover the games. However, we all know there’s no one way to avoid or control social media these days- it’s everywhere. The IOC has no choice but to welcome citizen journalism and competition, therefore the committee has loosened its firm grip on the media.
Social media is about the athletes emotionally connecting with fans and viewers after a win or loss. It’s about giving the viewer an inside look to an elite world of super athletes. However, it also includes citizen journalists blogging about Olympic fever: the culture that captivates the world once every two years.
Vancouver students have been asked to cover Olympic and Paralympic Games using social media. Before twelve young social media experts are chosen, the contestants are asked to submit blogs, podcasts and websites by November 13 for review.
The IOC is slowly opening its doors to social media- a change of Olympic proportion that will yield a great variety of media coverage.
Amy English's Blog 
I think citizen journalists as well as students working on social media projects will bring a lot of extra coverage to the olympics. I know in the past it has been frustrating turning on the TV and only seeing curling on 24-7, so it will be great to get more well-rounded coverage by welcoming social media to the games. It is also great that Angela is so involved in social media. She seems to really know what she’s talking about when she discusses her being busy and being able to connect with fans through this evolving technology and practice. The big broadcasters are also smart for allowing social media users to broadcast as well because that is something they cannot control. It’s better to go with the flow rather than fight an unbeatable opponent.
It’s great to see athletes being more involved with social media. It really makes them more accessable to their fans. I agree with Caroline in saying that social media will be an excellent outlet to get more well rounded coverage of the Olympic games. I know that I personally don’t watch much of the Winter Olympics besides the figure skating, so being able to get a more focused coverage of that sport will definitely make my Olympics experience that much more enjoyable. I am interested to see what kinds of social media the 2012 London games will be using!
I think this a great outlet for people who can’t actually attend an event as momentous as The Olympics. For those like me who can’t afford such a costly ticket price, nor the time to travel, all we have are the generic cable networks providing us with same coverage on who won what events and the not-too-intriguing interviews with the star athletes. However, this is an extremely useful and easy way to get really get “in the know” as to what’s affecting athletes and events on a daily basis. Hopefully those media outlets that are hesitant about allowing social media into the loop will either finally learn what viewers want coverage on, or eventually diminish entirely.
Ashely,
I like how you brought up the factor that attending the Olympics is not possible for everyone. Sitting in the stands at a ball game can’t possibly compare to watching an event at the Olympics. The crowd, the culture and the environment are probably completely different. It would be nice to get a feel for the Olympics from your own home, which is why social media is such a great opportunity for family and fans of the Olympic athletes.