NBC Will Now Live Stream the Closing Ceremonies

In a reversal today, the network has announced that it will be offering the Closing Ceremonies on a live stream (while still airing the event on tape delay on the parent network). Apparently, the Closing Ceremony is not as complex as originally believed. The full statement, via John Ourand:

"“It’s part of our continuing effort to innovate, experiment and learn. This is not precedent setting, but rather another chance for us to gather data about how live streaming and television complement each other.”"

I can honestly say I have never watched a Closing Ceremony–it just doesn’t have the same draw or anticipation as the Opening, and the Olympic fatigue has set in by about the last 48 hours. I just hope that when they get lower ratings for the closing, and lower numbers streaming the Closing Ceremony, they don’t view that as indicative of how people would feel about the next Opening Ceremony. (Though, with the games in 2016 in Rio De Janeiro, it should be less of an issue).

[photo via US Presswire]

Previously: London Olympics Opening Ceremony

Video: Mr. Bean at the London Olympics Opening Ceremony

NBC Claims Opening Ceremony Was Too “Complex” to Stream Live

NBC Execs Think You Should Stop Whining About Tape Delay, and Live Stream Issues Are Your Fault

NBC Olympic Coverage Critic Guy Adams Had Twitter Account Suspended [UPDATE]

NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus Continues Arrogant, Tone Deaf Response to Olympics Criticism

NBC Olympic Coverage is Laughable Compared to BBC

Dick Ebersol Continues NBC’s Stream of Out of Touch Retorts