REVEALED: NBC 'plans to put heart
NBC revealed that it plans to place heart-rate monitors on parents of athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, with results being shown live on screen.
The new way to try and engage an Olympic audience comes alongside the first Summer Olympiad since 2016 without any attendance restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Variety, test audience have loved seeing 'moms and dads' sweat it out while their child competes in the 100-meter dash or plays midfield for the United States' pair of soccer teams competing in France.
The heart-rate monitors are one of several measures NBC is taking to try and make sure the Paris games are a smash hit in the ratings.
Several celebrities with ties to NBC, but not with sports backgrounds such as Snoop Dogg, Kelly Clarkson, and Jimmy Fallon, will provide analysis of the Olympics.
The 2024 Summer Olympics are around 100 days away and NBC is hoping to draw big ratings
American track star Noah Lyles may have family members with monitors on in the crowd
NBC made a similar move in 2016 when 'Saturday Night Live' cast member Leslie Jones went viral on Twitter for her reactions to Team USA competing.
The network decided to fly Jones from America to Brazil to provide her commentary live on the network.
Whether the monitors will just be placed on American athletes is unclear. Also not specified is which sports will have parents subject to the heart-rate monitors.
The opening ceremony for the Paris games takes place on July 26 and the Olympics will continue through August 11.
NBC has exclusive rights to air Olympic events, including a slew on its streaming service, Peacock.