The long-awaited and controversial 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics officially begin today, August 8th, with the traditional torch lighting ceremony. International press coverage is at an unprecedented high. NBC is calling it the “most ambitious single media project in history.” The network's coverage of the upcoming event will encompass an unprecedented 3,600 hours over seven television networks. But along with the fanfare comes plenty of controversy. Activists have become more vocal in recent weeks, protesting China’s approach to human right’s and its attitude and treatment of Tibet. Concurrently, China has stepped up law enforcement. Insiders behind the red curtain say Chinese officials are going to exorbitant lengths to make sure the games stay incident and controversy free. But while officials try to avoid political friction, the air quality is undeniably poor. American athletes caused a controversy Tuesday when they arrived in Beijing wearing masks. The athletes subsequently issued an apology explaining that the masks were for health reasons and were not intended to offend the Chinese.
Friday, 08 August 2008 02:28
2008 Summer Olympics Begin
The long-awaited and controversial 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics officially begin today, August 8th, with the traditional torch lighting ceremony. International press coverage is at an unprecedented high. NBC is calling it the “most ambitious single media project in history.” The network's coverage of the upcoming event will encompass an unprecedented 3,600 hours over seven television networks. But along with the fanfare comes plenty of controversy. Activists have become more vocal in recent weeks, protesting China’s approach to human right’s and its attitude and treatment of Tibet. Concurrently, China has stepped up law enforcement. Insiders behind the red curtain say Chinese officials are going to exorbitant lengths to make sure the games stay incident and controversy free. But while officials try to avoid political friction, the air quality is undeniably poor. American athletes caused a controversy Tuesday when they arrived in Beijing wearing masks. The athletes subsequently issued an apology explaining that the masks were for health reasons and were not intended to offend the Chinese.
