Olympic Opening Ceremony Highest Rated of All Time for NBC -Almost 1/2 of all TV's Tuned to Games

Drudge Report ^ | February 9, 2002 | Matt Drudge

[umbra]

NBC's broadcast drew a 25.5 national rating and a 42 national share with Nielsen Media Research reporting that 72 million watch all or part.

That means an average of 25.5 percent of all U.S. TV homes and 42 percent of the TV were tuned to NBC.

It was an stunning and immediate turnaround from the last Olympics, the Summer Games in Sydney in September 2000.

[JoysKid]

I agree... I was wondering when they would ever be quiet. It was rude, and we didn't need to be told what was happening. Give us some credit!!

[LenS]

Really? Did you watch the National Broadcasting Company coverage or did you watch the Nepal Broadcasting Company coverage? Because what I saw was terrible with multiple sound problems and non-sequitors.

Just another of their blunders was when they talked about the USA placard holder, a woman who lost her husband in the Pentagon attack, but never bothered to show a close-up of her.

[Wolfstar]

Isn't that the truth! Almost throughout the ceremonies, their constant yammering just got in the way of enjoying the entertainment. Have to admit, though, that I was tickled when Costas gushed over the President joining the U.S. athletes in the stands to officially open the games. Couric is a liberal Democrat, so I can't imagine she was particularly pleased with the enormous ovations the President received the two times he went out into the stadium.

[Lady Jag]

The opening ceremonies were spectacular. Couric and Costa, however, were poor choices.