BBC has done a good job of ensuring that we have wall to wall coverage of the Games but..... please could someone explain why they have made 'personalities' of some athletes but not others - surely they all deserve 'special' treatment (personally I think they are all awesome).

They have done a good job of making sure that I, and thousands of others who are not hooked on sport, have virtally nothing to watch but repeats of Frost, Come Dine with Me, Location, Location.....
I am missing my quiz shows in the afternoon. Mind you, it is always bad at this time of the year, so roll on the Autumn schedules.
At least we still have Corrie and Emmerdale and there is always Radio 4.

Oh, you are in the uk at the moment Greatnan - but, excuse me, living where you are, do you pay a licence fee

I realise lots of people are excited about the Olympics - the problem is I'm not one of them and like Greatnan there is nothin on TV for me except repeats. I like to listen to local radio but this morning on the breakfast show just about every item was Olympics related (even to the point of visiting a road which had decorated to celebrate the games!), even the phone in programme is Olympics related - so there is nothing for me to watch and nothing on local radio for me to listen to.

It's two weeks in four years! I'm highly impressed with the way the BBC has organised the 'red button' selection which allows the viewer to choose their sport as never before.

What are they showing on their 48 Sky channels? I know 24 of them are HD so likely to be the same, but was there really any need to acquire that many?

JessM We abroad would like nothing better than to pay a licence fee and have IPlayer which is not available to us. All people in the UK fron all European countries can watch their national TV via satellite. That is what global communication is all about.

Actually Annobel its not 2 weeks every 4 years (i think its 3 weeks) - its all the programmes weeks before and also all the programmes for weeks after.
I am happy for the BBC to show all the games on the 20 odd channels they have dedicated to the games, but leave the main channels free for those of us who are not interested.

Why have I only got 2 events on my red button. My telly did say something last week about retuning but I didn't do anything.

I have found it O.K. actually. It has been quite nice to watch the bits I want and search freeview for other little snippits I would never have watched but I have enjoyed.

I always have a load of films and taped stuff to watch and at least I am getting them down. I have actually finished off a book which to my shame is an acheivemnet, holidays only I'm afraid.

I have been surprised too how much I have watched of the games and enjoyed the quick turnover of sports.

I've really enjoyed the banter between Ian Thorpe and Clare Balding tonight; in fact Thorpe has had me in stitches all week and I loved it when Clare told him to 'shuush' tonight. As for Wiggins saying 'now I know how The Beatles felt' tonight . Ian Stark and the other guy were brilliant during the three day eventing, saying just the right things at the right time and giggling amongst themselves; their enthusiasm was infectious.

I'm thoroughly enjoying it all (well, nearly all of it) but I do find sometimes that vital information regarding timings etc are lacking. A little more information, not inane chatter, would be useful

The Olympic coverage is hard work for some journalists. I can't stand Claire Balding even from Radio 4. Gary Lineker seems out of his depth and faintly bored by all the fuss and I can feel for him. The events would be better with less talk, and less emotion- raising.
Its only games after all- not real life. I get the feeling it fills a gap for people who have not much in their own lives, and it will be over in 2 weeks time.
They should make the most of it tears and all.
just one point I think the Dutch swimmers outfit, the orange jacket and black swimsuits very smart. Some outfits are terrible. There are a lot of over paid designers out there.

Well, my take is that the athletes, commentators, news programmes and journalists cannot be all things to all people, and I would hate to be called to task on any of the tremendous amount of work that has gone into all things Olympic.
So I really enjoy it for what it is and celebrate Team GB, and the fact that I can watch it all on TV.
I'm really enjoying all I choose to watch.

Charlotte - I think participating in the Olympics is real life - albeit it a part - and I expect all the athletes have their ups and downs in their private lives like the rest of us. They just happen to be particularly skilled in what they have chosen to do.

Anno - I agree, it is only a comparatively short time in 4 years.

Don"t agree , love Claire Balding and Gary Lineker , consummate professionals , love everything they do , They are the BUSINESS, BIG TIME

Even the Walkers Crisps adverts?

Well , AFAIC that IS a slight bummer , he"s let himself down slightly , but hey money in the bank so is he bothered , guess it appeals to some , not ME or u by the sound of things . {cheesy grin]

YGTR!

You're on your own about Clare Balding Charlotte. what's not to like?

Anagram , Anagram , you are such a Saucepot BIG GRIN

"less emotion raising"!!!!!!

I can't believe you said that!

Sour grapes?

JO "less emotion raising , who said that ? have trawled can"t find

Charlotta's post, 18.01

Clare Balding is the consummate professional; whatever sport she turns her hand she gets total respect from the participants. Not only that but she is as nice in person as on the screen [unlike Gary Lineker who, or so I'm told, is a real grump off camera]. It won't be over in two weeks time; if we do well [which we are already] this will lift the mood of the whole country. It also unites people as we all have something to talk about [other than the weather]. I got stuck at work all day today and was asking everyone that came in how we were doing. Chuffed to bits when I got home and watched the news .

I too think Clare Balding is really establishing herself asa senior commentator/presenter. She is knowledgeable, articulate, witty, human and unflappable. I love her banter from the Aquatic Centre where she andthe other 2 (Mark Foster? and Ian Thorpe?) are a pleasure to listen to. After the fiasco of the Jubilee, the Beeb has gone a long way to restoring confidence and I think they can be very pleased with their performance so far.