In a concession to the realities of the instant-information media culture, NBC has announced it will broadcast the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics live across all time zones for the first time.
NBC’s decision, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times, includes daytime, prime time, and late-night coverage on the primary network. On most nights, prime time coverage will begin at 8 p.m. ET.
“Nothing brings America together for two weeks like the Olympics, and that communal experience will now be shared across the country at the same time both on television and streaming online,” said Jim Bell, the president of NBC Olympics Production & Programming, in a statement. “That means social media won’t be ahead of the action in any time zone, and as a result, none of our viewers will have to wait for anything.”
Prime time coverage will be followed in all time zones by local news and then a “Prime Time Plus” program with live continuing PyeongChang Olympic coverage. The Winter Olympics competition begins Feb. 8, with the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 9.
Follow Chad Finn on Twitter at @GlobeChadFinn.
