A skier or skater will not set the most remarkable record at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. NBC Universal will set it instead.
According to Adam Minter, when the flame goes out, the US network will have recorded the most under-watched Winter Games in history. Half-empty stadiums, human-rights concerns, and boycotts have all contributed to a drop in viewership and ratings. They’ve also tarnished China’s reputation abroad, prompting speculation over whether the Olympics are on their way out. At least, that’s how the games appear from the United States.
It’s a different storey in China. The show has a lot of viewers, and there’s a lot of talk about it on social media. In the face of omicron dangers and anxieties, the Chinese people and government are celebrating their athletes’ achievements.