Action for production, a blind draw, and a race kickoff midway. Ukrainian commentators discuss the new IBU regulations.
We have already explained in detail the essence of these changes, published the opinions of Ukrainian and foreign biathletes. Now, we have gathered the thoughts of television commentators. Since all changes are aimed at increasing interest in the race and improving viewership ratings, commentators are becoming direct participants in this significant overhaul.
Bailey's Rule
Once again, we remind you – all this commotion is due to changes in the starting groups. According to the new rules, world leaders in individual interval races will start later, while those lower in the rankings will start earlier. All to keep the audience in suspense until the end of the race.
For many commentators, not just domestic ones, the second half of individual or sprint races often turned into a struggle. Lesser-known biathletes competed, while the medalists were already dispersing to their hotels. There were exceptions, though. For instance, recall how American Lowell Bailey became the world champion in the "individual" in 2017. He started with bib number 100 at a time when the medalists were almost done with their competitions.
If there were more stories like these , perhaps we wouldn’t have to implement a "starting" revolution. However, fans and commentators certainly lack such narratives.
0Lowell Bailey with his coach
Advertising, where are you going?
There’s also a behind-the-scenes television nuance. Typically, advertisers want to see their ads in the first part of the race, when there is intrigue. But this frustrates both commentators and viewers! Yet, placing ads in the second, "uninteresting" part of the race is also impossible, as it doesn’t appeal to advertisers!
Here, it’s understandable from all sides. Therefore, television professionals are finding ways to cope – seeking stories about lesser-known athletes, relaying current race results, analyzing statistics, inviting experts to the broadcast, or, if possible, connecting with a Ukrainian biathlete who has already finished. However, these are all necessary measures to smooth over the unexciting second half of the race.
True, but unlikely
Andriy Sukhetsky comments on biathlon and cross-country skiing on "Public". He is a former skier himself and understands the practical nuances of winter sports. He believes there is no single correct scenario in this situation.
The ideal option, according to the media professional, would be a "blind" draw, but the probability of that is extremely low.
The Laws of Television Genre
Andriy Stolyarchuk has been commenting on biathlon for many years. From his television experience, he speaks about the logical attempts by the international federation to align biathlon's nature with the laws of media production.
1Kentän Fiyon-Maë
For commentators, Stolyarchuk believes, this also eases their work. There will constantly be "battles" on the course, providing both dynamics and event-driven information.
Stolyarchuk thinks these format changes are beneficial for Ukrainian biathletes.
From Extremes to Extremes
Commentator Igor Astapenko, besides working at the World Cup and World Championships, has experience commenting on youth World Championships and the IBU Cup. He has studied many athletes who are not the main competitors in the most prestigious adult events. However, even with all due respect to less-known athletes, he is hesitant to support changes to the rule.
Sometimes it was tedious
Vladislav Shalota believes that it will now be easier and more interesting for commentators to work. However, he is also concerned that spectators might start watching the competitions later.
Let’s remember, the biathlon season kicks off on November 30 in Finnish Kontiolahti. The first competitive discipline where the "Bailey rule" will be applied is on December 3 – the men’s individual race at 20 km.