Just two days await the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, although viewers may have difficulty finding it. It is for the first time that it won’t be aired on NBC since 2006. The news has left many athletes feeling dejected with accusations surrounding its under-representation being left unanswered. Leading the pack, ace runner Sha’Carri Richardson took to social media to call out the media companies, calling their moves exploitative.
Bumping up re-runs of The Blacklist and Magnum P.I., NBC has made its content less accessible for its casual viewers. After her post, the news went viral, and many other athletes have come together to call out this decision and stand together during these trying times.
“Who’s willing to promote the sport for free?”: Asks Michael Johnson
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The US Championship will not be aired on NBC. The viewership right of the Championship is now solely owned by CNBC and USATF. TV. This decision was upsetting, as track and field sports are already highly underrated, and the subscription will make their reach harder to attain. A big chance of high viewership was anticipated for this year’s competitions. Following the big news a disappointed fan asked the logic behind this motive through Twitter.
Upon seeing the tweet, Michael Johnson, a legend in track and field sports, replied “The logic is even worse, Teahna. USATF believes restricting coverage increases the value of their broadcast rights. But the broadcast fees are tiny anyway. Why? Because of the lack of promotion of the sport. Who’s willing to promote the sport for free? Athletes and @CitiusMag !!!” while highlighting the exploitation of broadcast channels.
The logic is even worse Teahna. USATF believe restricting coverage increases the value of their broadcast rights. But the broadcast fees are tiny anyway. Why? Because of lack of promotion of the sport. Who’s willing to promote the sport for free? Athletes and @CitiusMag !!! 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/yai3EPpVeL
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) July 1, 2023
Besides this, Johnson also tweeted, highlighting the fact that NBC is airing America’s Got Talent as a repetition while top athletes in track and field are struggling to get exposure. Many people in the comments section also agree with Michael as they showcase their disappointment with the decision. This step would definitely be a setback for athletes at the US Championship.
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Sha’Carri Richardson dejected over the thinning chances of an unappreciated sport
The US championship is all set to be held this month in Eugene, Oregon. The 40-event outdoor track and field championship will be a big opportunity for many athletes, including Sha’Carri Richardson. After not being able to participate in the Tokyo Olympics as she was denied a chance due to unfortunate reasons, Richardson is hoping to make a comeback in this championship.
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Sha’carri wrote on her Instagram story, “These companies continue to make it HARDER for track and field to have exposure!!! All they want is to continue to exploit sports!!!” This action will undoubtedly harm an already underappreciated sport. Both the athletes and the fans are upset. However, the question still remains whether the athletic icons shouting out exploitative maneuvers will alter their minds about competing in the US championship.
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