Track and field sports are facing a crisis in viewership. Recently, the athletics department announced a new viewership policy for the US championship. According to this policy, the US championship would not be aired on live TV but only on USATF and CNBC. Many athletes have raised their concerns about the motive as this would decline the viewership of an already underrated sport.

One of the fastest-running athletes, Sha’Carri Richardson, posted a story on her Instagram while calling such actions dupable. According to the athlete, such initiatives are the reason why track and field sports are so underrated in the world. Besides her, many other athletes and fans have raised their voices over the ban on subscription-less entertainment.

Sports media facing criticism.

The US championship will not be airing live on NBC. CNBC and USATF.tv are now broadcasting the championship with a paid subscription. Since 2006, this is the first time that the U.S. championship will not be airing on NBC.

This move was highly disappointing for not only the athletes who are working hard to represent the country but also for the fans. A fan frustrated by this decision tweeted, “I want to know what logic is behind USATF not allowing us to have our own Media at Nationals. Furthermore, the fan added that it’s like they want to cut off all exposure to the athletes and how we create our own narratives of ourselves in this sport.”

Michael Johnson, an Olympic-winning track and field athlete, replied to this fan’s tweet by stating that the logic is worse than what the fan is observing. Michael Johnson then emphasized the fact that USATF is only restricting its coverage to add value to its broadcast rights. And the reason for such a low fee for the subscription is because of the lack of exposure given to the sport.

A fan also tweeted that USATF not only hates the sport but its fans and athletes as well. The fan also considers this the logical reason for Network TV to take this step. Proving, that this initiative is definitely not working at the US championship.

Track and Field at US Championship 2023

The US championship of 2023 is to be held in July in Eugene, Oregon. The 40-event competition will have some big names, including expeditious sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson in the championship. However, with this change, many fans will not be able to enjoy watching their favorite athletes fleet away on the track.

Also Read:“Killing the Sport”: Sha’Carri Richardson Joins Hands With Millions After NBC Drops a Disappointing Update for Track and Field World

This step will be critical in the athletics department. Hopefully, the sports media will look into the situation and give track and field the attention it deserves, while fans and participants of the championship hope that the judgment will be reconsidered.

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