Should NBC have done more to warn viewers that some Olympics fireworks were fake?

  National Public Radio media reporter David Folkenflik once again demonstrates his knack for finding compelling stories inside issues every one is reporting on, offering a story today about how some of the fireworks show in the glitzy opening to the Beijing Olympics Friday were computer generated.

As Folkenflik notes, NBC anchor Matt Lauer wasn't exactly specific or particularly aggressive in making sure viewers understood that some of the images fed to them by the Chinese Olympics organizers via the network's coverage were digitally manufactured.the Beijing Times later revealed the extent of the fakery. (the picture above does not seem to be manipulated, BTW)

It's the latest manifestation of a question critics have been asking since NBC's near-$900-million investment in the Beijing games was first announced. Can a network with so much at stake fairly report on such a huge event presented inside one of the most repressive regimes on the globe?

And if you can't believe the fireworks were genuine, what else is fake that NBC isn't telling us?

Comments

[pb]

Not to mention that other lie about the extreme pollution in Beijing.

Can't remember where I saw this (CNN?), but a reporter was asking an IOC member about the mist/fog all over the city. They were outside, and the reporter pointed to the mist/fog.

It's pollution, of course, as Beijing's air contains about four times the pollutants of London's air.

The IOC, unbelievably, taking the Chinese line, blamed the mist/fog on "humidity."

That's a response I'll blame on stupidity - as in, how stupid does he think we are?

[Steve]

Hummmmm just another Chinese lie, sounds similiar to... "yes those Chinese female gymnasts appear to be 11 but are actualy 16. SURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRe

[alison]

huh? we're criticizing nbc for not trying hard enough to tell us they were fake? i mean they told us.

i heard it, and i was completely confused by the brouhaha afterward. pay attention, people.

[Jonathan]

My wife and I watched the ceremony. I remember Matt Lauer telling us the footprints were recreations.

We commented on it, then enjoyed it.

I watch the Olympics to see who wins the contests. When NBC starts removing the gymnasts' falters, then I'll be concerned.

It was an opening ceremony. We were told. Relax.

[Jamie]

Matt says whatever they tell him to. With all due respect, do you think these people are on the air because they're geniuses?

I'm not saying Mr. Lauer is dumb or smart. He seems like a very nice average guy who's very good on the air.

Why would he have the slightest clue about digital fireworks?

[GlennS.]

Damn. Another illusion spoiled.