US Figure Skating recently announced that the entire
Grand Prix of Figure Skating series will be broadcast online on
IceNetwork.com. Some figure skating fans say that watching figure skating on a computer is just not a substitute for watching ice skating on TV. They explain that enjoying skating in a comfortable living room is very different than sitting at an uncomfortable desk in front of a 15-inch computer. They hope that a television network does at least broadcast some of the Grand Prix of Figure Skating this season. It has been suggested that those wishing to see the event on television should take the time to write ABC, ESPN, and also the
ISU.
I agree, but of course, I am grateful that IceNetwork will broadcast the events. Will figure skating's popularity decrease without the television coverage?
US Ice Dance Champions Ben Agosto and Tanith Belbin Compete in the Grand Prix of Figure Skating - Photo by China Photos/Stringer - Getty Images
Comments
It’s an insult to the skaters who work their hearts out to not broadcast the competitions on regular TV, or basic cable. I’ve been watching figure skating for 50 years now! It’s disgusting that football games for teams from obscure cities are broadcast and figure skating isn’t.
I used to watch ISU figure skating competitions on TV all afternoon, whenever they were on. They inspired me to practice the sport. Watching it on a computer screen doesn’t feel the same. I really missed the TV coverage this season (2008)
I am so sad to see that most of the ice skating will not be seen this year on TV. Have watched everything that has been on for
years. Although I like other sports figure skating was the favorite. It will not have the viewers for Olympics either if they are not seen in between times.
I am saddened that I no longer can watch the ice skating on tv. I started watching skating faithfully in 1994 when I was recovering from chemo treatments. For me, skating is artistic, spiritual, and musical to name a few. It is a terrible loss for a lot of fans.