CTV and NBC go inside the glass for the Olympics

CTV and NBC have won approval to use their ``inside the glass" feature during next winter's Olympics hockey tournament.

The networks pitched the idea, which features analyst Pierre McGuire standing between the benches during the broadcast, last year. They got no resistance from the IIHF, Vancouver organizing committee or the Olympic broadcast group, which is a good thing. Imagine how long it would have taken if there had been resistance.

``We're thrilled to be partnering with NBC on this," said Gord Cutler, executive producer of CTV's Olympics coverge.

David Neal, executive producer NBC Olympics, says the network is proud of the innovation, which he credited to hockey overseer Sam Flood.

``This is one of those rare things ... to revolutionize the way things are presented," Neal said, adding that the networks will work out a plan on using McGuire, who works for both networks.

No argument there. McGuire gets an awful lot of great insights from his rinkside post.

But since there can only be one guy between the glass and McGuire works both both networks, what happens when Canada plays the U.S.?

``We all fully appreciate how important hockey is in Canada," Neal said. ``My expectation is that Pierre will be on the air with CTV."

Let's hope that's the case. When TSN uses it, there's enough talk. On NBC, with three announcers clamouring for air time, it's too much to bear at times.

Comments

[Bob Raiser]

We can only hope for an errant stick or puck to find their target.

[krister]

The good part is that in the Olympics I can always avoid these talking knobs by simply turning down the sound and listen to the games on Swedish radio. The bonus of multilingualism.

[krister]

I should have added - Swedish radio on the internet.

[Tabber]

Yeah, right in your mush, Bob. I'd pay good money to see that!

[Vince Degiorgio]

They obviously never asked anyone if they DIDN'T want to hear Pierre McGuire...it would have blown up their server...and I'm with Bob...bring all the errant equipment possible !