As the 2024 IRONMAN season wrapped up, so did the exhilarating broadcasts of the IRONMAN Pro Series events, culminating in over 150 hours of live action streamed across various platforms. For those of us in the U.S. and Canada, the IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds was delivered via https://www.outsideonline.com, while international viewers tuned in through https://www.dazn.com or https://www.youtube.com. Opting to experience the broadcast as intended for North American audiences, I settled in for a weekend of triathlon at its finest, ready to dissect the viewing experience.
Race Action Coverage: B
The coverage, for the most part, succeeded in capturing the pivotal moments of the race. We witnessed Taylor Knibb's commanding surge past Sara Perez Sala, a lead she maintained impressively. The broadcast closely followed Kat Matthews as she bridged up to Imogen Simmonds and Paula Findlay, adding a layer of suspense as the gap between Knibb and Matthews tightened during the run's second lap.
The men's race was equally engaging, with a dynamic interchange among the top eight leaders and a nine-man chase group. The strategic shifts within these packs, featuring athletes like Lèo Bergère, Hayden Wilde, and Rico Bogen, were well-documented, though the dramatic moment when Jelle Geens overtook Wilde was a highlight not to be missed.
However, the broadcast wasn't without its misses. Notably, Gregory Barnaby's finish, which could have used more spotlight given his series win, was overlooked, and his absence from immediate post-race interviews was felt.
Camera Work: C-
As someone sensitive to visual processing, the shaky camera work during critical moments was less than ideal. Particularly on Sunday, the pursuit of Kristian Høgenhaug on a downhill segment was jarring, with the athlete barely in frame and the image bouncing disconcertingly.
Studio Broadcasters: B-
Michael Lovato and Dede Griesbauer tackled the Herculean task of engaging viewers over several hours with a limited script. Their chemistry was evident, and their enthusiasm for the sport palpable, which generally made for enjoyable viewing. However, their frequent misidentification of athletes during the men's race suggested a need for better real-time information and perhaps more robust preparation.
On-Course Broadcasters: B+
The on-course commentary team, including Craig Alexander, Mirinda Carfrae, Matt Lieto, and Greg Welch, provided insightful and detailed analysis, with Carfrae standing out for her versatility and depth of knowledge. However, technical glitches, particularly during bike segments, marred Lieto's updates.
On-Screen Graphics: C
The attempt to integrate AI for race predictions fell flat, often lagging behind the real-time developments of the race. The placement of graphics also cluttered the screen, detracting from the viewer's experience rather than enhancing it.
Commercials: B-
While the frequency of commercials was less than some might expect, their poor timing often meant missing out on key moments, like the finish of a Pro Series champion. This aspect of the broadcast could certainly benefit from more strategic planning.
Platform Stability: A-
Outside Watch has shown significant improvement since its initial broadcasts. Apart from a brief buffering issue, the platform provided a stable viewing experience throughout the weekend.
Overall Grade: B-
The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship broadcast had its highs and lows. While it captured many of the race's critical moments and provided robust commentary, the areas needing refinement—particularly camera work and the integration of more accurate and timely on-screen information—were apparent. For enthusiasts of the sport, the broadcast did "scratch the itch," but for it to appeal to a broader audience and truly enhance the viewing experience, these areas would need to be addressed in future broadcasts.
In essence, while the broadcast had moments of brilliance, the overall execution left room for improvement. As we look forward to future events, one hopes these feedback points are taken as constructive criticism aimed at elevating the viewer's experience to match the incredible athleticism displayed by the competitors.
What platforms were used to broadcast the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds?
The 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds were broadcasted on Outside Watch for the U.S. and Canada, and on DAZN or YouTube for the rest of the world.
How was the camera work rated in the IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds broadcast?
The camera work in the IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds broadcast was rated as C-. There were issues with jostling and shaky images, particularly noticeable during the men's race.
Who were the studio broadcasters for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds?
The studio broadcasters for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds were Michael Lovato and Dede Griesbauer, who were praised for their chemistry but noted for having room for improvement in athlete identification.
What were the primary technical issues during the broadcast?
One significant technical issue during the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds broadcast was the camera jostling on the bike course. Additionally, there were on-course broadcasting issues, such as a lack of information from timing devices.
How did the on-screen graphics perform in the broadcast?
The on-screen graphics for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds broadcast were rated C. There were criticisms about the use of AI for race predictions and the graphics being too cluttered, which hindered the viewing experience.
What was the overall grade for the IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds broadcast?
The overall grade for the IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds broadcast was B-. Despite limitations, the broadcast managed to cover major race moments without significant disruptions.
IRONMAN70.3World Championships #Triathlon Broadcast Review
Source: https://www.slowtwitch.com/triathlon/grading-ironmans-70-3-worlds-broadcast/
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