BBC Olympics fans fume at broadcaster over sound blunder during closing ceremony: 'Absolute mess!'

Olympics closing ceremony

The Olympics closing ceremony saw some backlash over the BBC coverage

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 11/08/2024

- 22:34

Updated: 11/08/2024

- 22:37

The BBC's coverage of the extravaganza sparked some backlash from viewers

The Olympics came to an end on Sunday night with a grand spectacle in the French capital, but while the hotly-anticipated event managed to mesmerise some viewers, others were left distracted by a sound issue on the BBC.

Paris put on quite the show as it celebrated the last 16 days' worth of Olympic triumphs before ceremonially passing over the Olympic torch to Los Angeles, who are hosting the next Olympic Games in 2028.


The closing ceremony centred around the theme of space travellers who discover remnants of the Olympic Games. Following a character known as "The Golden Voyager," the extravaganza captivated viewers.

The artist of the ceremony, Thomas Jolly, brought his vision to life which saw the figure lowered from the roof of the Stade de France before gliding across the stage.

The ceremony also included the traditional parade of Olympians as well as a display of thanks to the volunteers and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame.

Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, officially closed the Games before Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo handed over the Olympic flag to Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles.

Olympics closing ceremony

The Olympics closing ceremony saw some backlash over the BBC coverage

BBC

In the dazzling display, the character was seen encountering Nike, the goddess of victory linked with the ancient Olympic Games.

The iconic Olympic rings were later excavated by the Golden Voyager. Unfortunately, some of the magic was missed by some fans as they complained of sound problems on the BBC.

Taking to X, many picked up on the blunder. One wrote: "Urgh, can the BBC just stick to one sound channel/source? #BBCOlympics #ClosingCeremony."

"Sort the sound out!!#bbcolympics," a second demanded. Another fumed: "What is going on with the sound? It all keeps cutting in and out and just sounds an absolute mess #ClosingCeremony."

Olympics closing ceremony

Some BBC viewers complained about sound issues during coverage of the Olympics closing ceremony

BBC

"This sound is horrific #bbcolympics," someone else penned.

Another viewer shared: "Fix the sound problems, if you can, BBC. #BBCOlympics #closingceremony."

"Seriously though #BBCOlympics sort your sound levels out?" another remarked.

However, others applauded the BBC's coverage of the games and closing ceremony, with one arguing: "Andrew Cotter is an amazing Commentator! #Paris2024 #Paris2024Olympics #ClosingCeremony #BBCOlympics."

Olympics closing ceremony

BBC viewers were distracted by sound problems during the Paris extravaganza

BBC

"I'm really going to miss the Olympics. My first two weeks at home with my newborn baby girl and days have been spent watching all these amazing athletes. I've made sure she knows how inspirational everyone is #BBCOlympics," another shared. (sic)

The closing ceremony seems to have been met with a more positive response than the opening ceremony, which sparked a huge backlash last month.

Some viewers argued the event was "woke" and "shocking". The decision to have the athletes arrive by boats on The Seine rather than the traditional walk-through also sparked fury.

Lady Gaga's performance was also slammed and left many confused over why she had been selected to take part in the ceremony.

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