Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

TV viewers do not tune in to Olympics
By Leslie Small
Daily Collegian (Penn State)
02/27/2006

(U-WIRE) UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the 2006 Winter Olympics drew to a close last night, the big-screen TV in Pennsylvania State University's HUB-Robeson Center wasn't tuned in to the closing ceremonies — possible evidence of an uninterested Penn State student population.

"Let's be realistic," Phil Barr (freshman — engineering) said. "American Idol beat it in the ratings."

However, a member of the Penn State Snowboarding Club, Ben Hawk (senior — mechanical engineering), said he paid attention to what is fast becoming one of the more popular sports.

"I actually watched [the Olympics] more this year, especially the snowboarding," Hawk said. "It seems like there's more hype with snowboarding this year with the range of competition with other countries."

On the weekly Nielsen ratings charts, the Turin Games have been overshadowed by several primetime hits, including American Idol and quasi-new favorites like Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.

"I don't think too many people care about the Olympics," Eugene Kim (senior — electrical engineering) said. "I usually go online to see who's winning which events."

Because the Games are not broadcast live, many potential viewers find that the Internet is an effective way to get Olympic results without having to watch the actual events, according to The Associated Press.

As for his own viewing habits, Kim said he watched some of the short-track skating, figure skating and snowboarding events.

Some students said taking time out of their busy schedules to watch Olympic events is the last thing on their minds.

"I never watch it," Laura Adshead (sophomore — architecture) said. "I don't really have time."

One explanation for the ratings' slump is that some of the most celebrated American athletes did not live up to the hype.

Snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis' heartbreaking fall and loss of Olympic gold may have provided a good story, but it ultimately caused great disappointment to American viewers. Charismatic skier Bode Miller's performance was also a letdown.

Barr, however, said he did tune in for curling, an event with a unique nature that has drawn the curiosity of many viewers.

Curling, which is best described as shuffleboard on ice, has been included in the Winter Olympics since 1924.

"It was actually kind of interesting," Barr said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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