- Paris officially inaugurated the 2024 Olympic Games
- Host network Channel Nine came under fire
- Viewers urged the main presenter to stop talking about the procedure
Australians were quick to criticise Channel Nine’s coverage of the Paris Olympics, becoming furious with presenter Karl Stefanovic (if they were able to watch it at all).
Thousands of Australians woke up in the middle of the night to watch the opening of the Paris Games and had to wait hours for the Aussies to finally appear, as they are the host nation for 2032 and Olympic protocol dictates they were the third-to-last nation to appear.
However, they were not impressed with Nine’s handling of the opening ceremony, and in particular Stefanovic’s comment.
He was accused of talking about important and entertaining parts of the ceremony and many took to social media to ask him to keep quiet.
“@Channel9 for the love of God please tell that idiot Karl Stefanovic to shut his mouth during the performances. I had planned to watch Channel 9’s Olympic coverage but if this is any example of the quality of coverage… I’m turning it off immediately,” one posted.
“The @9NewsAUS coverage of the #Paris2024 opening ceremony is absolutely appalling. @karlstefanovic is awful and has nothing to offer. Terrible casting for this moment. The ceremony itself is pretty boring. Just a few boats floating down the river,” another added.
Another fumed: “Why on earth did they choose Karl Stefanovic to host the opening ceremony? Todd Woodbridge alone would have been perfect.”
Viewers were unimpressed with Channel Nine’s coverage of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, particularly its criticism of presenter Karl Stefanovic.
The opening ceremony was also marred by bad weather and rain, which marred the arrival of the athletes.
But viewers didn’t like being constantly reminded of that during the broadcast.
“Can someone shut up Karl Stefanovic? It’s raining, we get it. You’re a pathetic broadcaster @Channel9,” one viewer posted.
“Karl Stefanovic, shut up and talk about the weather. We understand, it’s raining,” said another.
And some viewers complained of not being able to tune in at all.
“So all Channel 9 stations have conveniently disappeared from my TV and refuse to automatically or manually search for them just in time for the Olympics. I guess I’ll find another way to watch them other than the useless Channel 9,” fumed one disappointed Australian.
The wet weather also marred the opening ceremony held on the banks of the River Seine.
The Australians were the third-last to appear, because Brisbane will host the Games in 2032.
And those who saw it questioned the lack of subtitles for the dignitaries’ lengthy French speeches.
“Does Channel 9 have subtitles so I can read what you’re saying?” one asked.
“What’s wrong with your coverage of the opening ceremony in Paris? It’s out of focus. It’s like coverage from the 70s,” posted another.
Stefanovic was not the only presenter to come under fire from Australian viewers, with some questioning the talent chosen for Paris.
“Why the hell is Matthew Pavlich doing the Olympics? Great to see Channel 9 using experts for coverage,” posted one.
While Channel 9 received plenty of criticism, national broadcaster ABC received praise, especially for bringing beloved presenter Bruce McAvaney out of retirement to cover the 2024 Games.
“Five minutes into the Olympic opening ceremony on Channel 9, one just appreciates the fact that Bruce McAvaney is indeed irreplaceable,” said one viewer.
“I wish Bruce McAvaney was doing that (on Channel Nine), that’s classy,” posted another.