The Ups and Downs of Sports Broadcast in China
Thursday, 26th June 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)
Looks like I spoke too soon in my excitement yesterday about watching the U.S. Open on CCTV's Golf and Tennis Channel. The playoff between Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods was broadcast this morning. I started watching as the guys were teeing off at hole 13. Right after Tiger birdied 18 to force a sudden death round, CCTV cut to some tape of Phil Mickelson's chipping practice. We waited optimistically, thinking that they'd cut back to the 91st hole in a minute or two. Instead, up next was a report from the European Open, followed by Wimbledon news.This wasn't the first time I've seen CCTV cut off a major sporting event just before an exciting overtime finish. It is, pardon the pun, par for the course with the network. CCTV adheres to a strict broadcast schedule, and if your basketball game, golf tournament or tennis match isn't over in time, tough luck. It was about 10:55 when the U.S. Open cut off this morning. Sorry, sports fans—we interrupt this great moment in sports to bring you news of the early rounds of a two-week tennis tournament. I have heard that this exact issue is what has prevented Major League Baseball from securing airtime in China. Baseball games, like golf tournaments, aren't played against a clock and their run times are very inconsistent.
The CCTV Golf and Tennis Channel resumed its U.S. Open re-broadcast at 11:15... at the 12th hole. ESPN's video highlights are looking better all the time.
Tags: CCTV, golf, Tiger Woods, US Open