A breakdown of the three companies bidding for the U.S. television rights for the 2014 and 2016 Olympics and possibly the following two games as well.
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NBC
Strengths: As the longtime home of the Olympics in the United States, the network offers familiarity for the IOC and for viewers. The merger with Comcast opens up new platforms to broadcast the games.
Weaknesses: New bosses at Comcast and NBC Sports chief Dick Ebersol's resignation create uncertainty. Comcast executives, not wanting to lose money on the Olympics again, may not be as aggressive in bidding as NBC was in the past.
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Fox
Strengths: The network offers a younger audience while still providing the platform of one of the country's big four broadcast networks. If the IOC likes the model of showing all events live unlike NBC has in the past, Fox plans to do so. Rupert Murdoch's media group has picked up the rights in other countries, showing a commitment to the Olympics.
Weaknesses: The IOC needs to decide if Fox's edgier approach fits with its image and whether it is confident the network can pull of an event of this magnitude.
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ESPN/ABC
Strengths: ESPN offers the flexibility and reach of myriad platforms and the experience of broadcasting the World Cup. It can provide legitimacy to hard-core sports fans who may view the Olympics as less of a serious competition. The network also plans to show all events live. Parent company Disney has opportunities for marketing tie-ins.
Weaknesses: Even with the company's ability to show events on ABC, the IOC must decide if it feels comfortable with more of a shift to cable. The IOC must also determine whether an Olympics produced by a sports-specific network can reach a broader audience.
