While media coverage of the Olympics is supposed to remain value-neutral, there are few countries that do not use the opportunity to promote a little nationalism. However, the 2002 Winter Olympics are unique in this respect. This is because the games were held in Utah, and American state, and the games were played out in the aftermath of the deadliest attack ever on U.S. soil, September 11, 2001.
Within and outside of the U.S., there was concern generated over the Olympic media coverage because of the terrorist attacks. Many were worried that the games would become the American Games or that the red, white, and blue deluge of patriotism would overshadow the real significance of the games – the athletes and competitions. As columnist for the Toronto Sun Steve Buffery wrote, “Throw in the fact that U.S. television is going to try to tie in every American triumph with Sept 11 and you’ve got a sure-fire recipe for nausea” (Hannigan C8).
Those in the American media have a different feeling about the games. Many point out the fact that no matter which country hosts the games, it is almost impossible to remain value-neutral when your country’s flags are waving and the sense of national pride increases. Mike Moran is the spokesman for the United States Olympics Committee (USOC). According to Moran, the criticism that the U.S. is biased in its 2002 Olympics coverage is so much complaining without merit. As Moran notes, “There has certainly been an excessive amount of whining about it. To be perfectly honest about it, I don’t get it. Every country that hosts the Games has an outpouring of emotion where you see lots of cheering and flag-waving” (Hannigan C8).
Even though Moran asserts he just doesn’t get it, from a review of the American Network/cable, periodicals, and Internet coverage of the 2002 Olympics one might think they were watching a bloated red, white, and blue pep rally. The Olympics are sup...