Why does Michael Johnson work for the BBC during major athletics events?

Question

I mean, he seems too big a star not to have been snapped up by American TV. I think I heard him say once that he had problems with the way American TV treated athletics. Does anyone know the details?

Answer 1

BBC is far richer than NBC so I suspect he gets paid loads to commentate for BBC.

Answer 2

I asked this myself earlier. His analysis and insight is second only to John McEnroe in tennis. It seems America have missed a trick but I do know he's unhappy with the apparent contempt shown to Track and Field by American television. As you know, the BBC's coverage is the best in the WORLD and Michael agrees.

Answer 3

Personally I think MJ is suited to BBC coverage of athletics because he does not care what nationality a athlete is he just cares about the sport. I believe that is a good reason he works for the BBC because although they will always cheers on Brit athletes they have the integrity to recognise the achievements of other nationalities equally.

   It is true that nobody covers athletics to the amount that the BBC do and they probably pay well but they will not pay as higher rates as the US networks would pay Pro-rata.

   I did hear he had become very dis-illusioned with US athletics coverage and organising. He has also been very outspoken about the drugs problems in US sport which has probably not endeared him to the propaganda outfits that only use US sport's success as a tool for political means.

Answer 4

Well there is only one (1) meet a year that is broadcasted in the US and that is the Penn Relays.  No other event is even broadcasted, (outdoor anyway).  The BBC covers more events.  If you listen closely during the Olympic coverage, they talk about the European season.  There are just more events in Europe and he can work more in Europe than the US.

Answer 5

Believe it or not the Americans are not that big on track and field, strange as they are generally the best, but in America it is just not as popular as other sports- (according to Michael Johnson).

Answer 6

Apparently NBC thought it was more important to send Olympic "experts" like Al Roker and Cris Collinsworth instead of Michael Johnson.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Maybe they paid him the most $.