It could have been the perfect host for this year’s Paris Games.
But former Olympian and Seven Sunrise presenter Matt “Shirvo” Shirvington lost out when Nine won exclusive rights to broadcast the spectacular sport in 2023, fans say.
The 45-year-old former athletics champion has received widespread plaudits for his insightful comments on Seven’s breakfast show since the Games began on July 26.
However, many viewers are wondering what could have been, as Seven’s coverage of the Paris Olympics was severely compromised by a lack of access (the rights were held by Nine).
“He really feels cheated by not being able to cover the Olympics,” one sympathetic fan posted on the TV industry site. Media Spy.
They continued: “You know he would have been the face (of the Games) if Seven had gotten them (the broadcast rights).”
“I totally agree,” added another fan on the blog, which is often used by current and former people in the world of commercial television to comment on the current state of commercial television.
‘Dawn was way ahead of schedule today in reviewing the game results, even without many actual pictures,’ wrote another.
Former Olympian and Seven Sunrise presenter Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington has been ‘duped’ into not being able to take part in official Olympics coverage, according to fans.
‘The conversations between Katie, Beretts and the hosts (Nat and Shirvo/Matt and Mon) have been far more enlightening than Karl and Sarah’s effort.’
Viewers were not shy in attacking Shirvo’s rivals, with one writing: “This is what is missing from these Olympics today.”
Another agreed: “This is what I was hoping today would be like.”
The former runner has frequently dressed in green and gold in the studio and has even organized his own “Olympic” track and field competition.
He even attempted to replicate the Games’ famous chocolate muffins at Sunrise’s Eveleigh Studios, a world away from Paris where his Nine rival Karl Stefanovic has been enjoying himself at Nine’s expense.
A Channel Seven spokesman declined to comment on social media support for Shirvo.
Shirvington began his co-hosting role on Sunrise alongside Natalie Barr in June 2023, four months after Nine announced it had won the rights to the Games.
However, the former Olympian had long been groomed for stardom by the network, ever since she was hired as a weekend sports presenter on Seven News Sydney in 2020.
Shirvington lost out when Nine was awarded exclusive rights to broadcast the sporting spectacular in 2023 (above, with Natalie Barr)
Meanwhile, Nine’s coverage of the Paris Games has been criticised by viewers. Pictured: Karl Stefanovic with his wife Jasmine
Nine Entertainment paid a whopping $305 million for exclusive rights to the Summer and Winter Olympics for nine years from Paris to the Brisbane Games, scheduled for 2032.
Nine’s deal with the IOC comes after rival broadcaster Channel Seven pulled out of making an official bid for broadcast rights in December 2022.
Coverage of the Olympic Games is highly valued by commercial networks because it guarantees millions of viewers.
“Wasn’t Shirvo originally signed with Seven because they had the rights to the Olympics?” mused one viewer on Media Spy’s forum on Wednesday.
The former runner dressed in green and gold in the studio and staged his own ‘Olympic’ athletics competition during Seven’s coverage of the Paris Games.
Meanwhile, Nine’s coverage of the Paris Games has been criticised by viewers.
Shirvington’s Today rival Stefanovic, 49, in particular has received much criticism for his comments.
Stefanovic was criticised by fans from the first day of the Olympics for his comments at the opening ceremony.
He was accused of talking about important and entertaining parts of the event 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.”
Seven has been grooming Shirvington for stardom since she was hired as a weekend sports presenter on Seven News Sydney in 2020. Pictured: Shirvington competing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics
Stefanovic is one of Nine’s top stars and is said to earn between $1.8 million and $2 million a year as co-host of the Today show.
He has been with Nine for over 20 years.
Meanwhile, Nine’s Olympic producers have been criticised for their disappointing presentation techniques and for failing to provide subtitles for non-French speakers during the opening ceremony.
The network has also been criticised by fans for its commentary team, which includes AFL star Matt Pavlich and cricketer Mark Taylor.
