There’s a cure for bad publicity: Win

You stage what you anticipate being a worldwide lovefest, and well, let’s say things don’t go as planned.

Whether you host a neighborhood concert or one broadcast around the globe, it’s tough to produce an event and receive near-universal praise. Ask anyone at NBC Sports/Peacock or anyone associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Games during the last 15 - 20ish years.

This summer the Games experienced an about-face. My guess is there were a lot of high fives and champagne toasts after years of meticulous prep for the 2024 event in Paris.

Nearly a week has passed since the 2024 Games flame was extinguished, and fans are still talking about the quadrennial’s dynamic athletes. Off-the-charts viewership (82 percent bump over the Tokyo), video views and podcast chats are still putting them at the sports fore.

Good publicity bumps the bad

I’ve consulted with clients and been frequently asked how to bump bad stuff off the first page of an internet search. Achieving world peace might be one way. Maintaining goodwill among your stakeholders and fans is another. It doesn’t happen overnight but if your publicity is strategic and persistent, it can happen. And you don’t have to have the budget of a broadcast behemoth or Olympic organizing committee to change the tide.

On to Cincin … er, L.A.

The Olympics publicity power machine has moved to the City of Angels, which will host the 2028 Games, and NBC Sports is already on it. The broadcast network took advantage of an attentive audience and aired what was essentially a travelogue for L.A. after the closing ceremonies in Paris were repackaged for evening viewers. The sun, the sea, the colors … it kept the hype alive. Look for LA28 to carry the flag, literally and figuratively, to make sure you remember that the Games are headed to California, U.S.A., and which outlet will bring them to you.

Sports Business Journal editor Abe Madkour reflected, “… I’ve never seen a Game broadcaster receive so little criticism; to sponsors and especially Paris organizers. Everyone said the future of the Olympics was at risk. The groups all delivered under great pressure, but it wasn’t just a ‘little good luck’ – it was years and years of hard work.” **

**Before we move on, remember the 2024 Paralympic Games which begin August 28. NBC will cover all 22 sports with more than 1,500 hours of live coverage. 

 ©2024 Gail Sideman; gpublicity.com

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