NBC’s Olympic coverage: A fresh take on the Paris Games

A new face in the crowd: Hoda Kotb’s unique perspective

As the world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, viewers tuning into NBC can expect to see familiar faces like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Sha’Carri Richardson, and LeBron James. However, they might also catch glimpses of another well-known personality: Hoda Kotb. NBC is introducing a “Hoda-cam” to capture Kotb’s reactions as she watches the U.S. women’s gymnastics team and interacts with the families of Olympic hopefuls.

Kotb, co-anchor of “Today,” was as surprised as anyone when she learned about this new feature. Her genuine reaction, “Whaaaat?” encapsulates the excitement and spontaneity that the “Hoda-cam” aims to bring to the coverage.

The strategic move: Boosting morning show ratings

The Olympics provide a unique opportunity for “Today” to energize its audience. NBC holds exclusive U.S. rights to broadcast the Paris Games, giving “Today” an edge over competitors like “Good Morning America” on ABC and “CBS Mornings” on CBS. This exclusivity allows “Today” to reach younger audiences, a demographic highly coveted by advertisers.

Libby Leist, NBC News executive vice president, emphasizes the unpredictability and excitement of sports in this environment. “Everyone wants to know what’s going to happen next,” she says. “We are going to be here for that.”

Expanding the digital footprint

For the first time, “Today” is bringing a social-media producer to the Olympics. This move aims to get hosts like Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and others trending on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The “Hoda-cam” is expected to play a significant role in this digital strategy. With larger audiences tuning in across both linear and digital platforms, NBC producers are focused on reaching different audiences in as many ways as possible.

Overcoming past challenges

Recent Olympics broadcasts have faced challenges, particularly those held in Asia. The 2021 Tokyo Olympics, for instance, had no families in the stands due to the pandemic, and time zone differences made it difficult for American audiences to watch live events. However, the Paris Games promise a different experience. With events set against iconic landmarks like the Seine and families back in the stands, there’s a renewed sense of excitement.

The morning show battle

“Today” aims to attract new viewers at a crucial time in the morning-news landscape. While “Good Morning America” remains the most-watched program, it has been losing valuable viewers aged 25 to 54. CBS has been picking up some of these viewers, and CNN has narrowed its morning approach to focus more on politics.

The challenge for “Today” will be to lure younger viewers with its host quartet interacting at the Eiffel Tower and generating buzz as they engage with athletes and explore Paris. Celebrity chef Ina Garten is also expected to make an appearance, adding a culinary twist to the coverage.

A day in the life: Behind the scenes

Each morning, “Today” will recap the previous day’s Olympic events, often featuring gold medalists fresh off the podium. “If you saw somebody win the gold last night, chances are you’re going to see them on our set,” says Guthrie. “We are their first stop, right off the medal podium.”

Al Roker plans to explore Parisian speakeasies and the Moulin Rouge, describing the experience as “like summer camp.” Roker, a veteran of Olympic coverage since 1988, relishes the opportunity to take viewers to new and exciting places.

Craig Melvin will have a particularly demanding schedule, covering the two-hour “Today” broadcast each morning and additional hours of live action. “We will do three minutes off the top, and then go right into live action,” Melvin explains. “It will be a lot less talking from the studio and a lot more action as we bounce around.”

Navigating logistics and news

All four anchors will be in Paris for the first few days of the Games, with Kotb and Guthrie also reporting during the opening ceremony. However, Roker and Guthrie will return to the U.S. to cover important news, including the 2024 presidential election and reunions of U.S. athletes and their families at the “Today” studios in New York City.

Guthrie and Kotb have handled difficult news moments even when far from home. In 2015, while broadcasting from the Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, they conducted a live interview with a survivor of the Parkland school shooting. “Today” has plans in place for somber news coverage, ensuring they remain a news show no matter where they are.

The promise of Paris

Paris offers the promise of something lighter and more joyful. Roker enjoys taking viewers to places and events they’ve never seen before. For Kotb, going to the Olympics is “like the most beautiful hang in the world.”

For more information and to watch trailers of the mentioned athletes and events, visit Olympic Trailers.

The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be a unique and exciting experience, both for the athletes and the viewers at home. With innovative features like the “Hoda-cam” and a strong digital strategy, NBC aims to make this a memorable event for all.