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NBC Opens Olympics With ‘Worst Hand Imaginable’ - The New York Times
Last year, NBC Sports executives called the Tokyo Olympics their most challenging undertaking ever.
Now that experience is starting to look like a cakewalk.
For this month's Winter Games in Beijing, NBC confronts an even trickier mix of challenges, threatening to diminish one of the network’s signature products and one of the last major draws to broadcast television.
The list of headaches is long: an event nearly free of spectators, draining excitement from the arena and ski slopes; the threat of star athletes testing positive for Covid, potentially dashing their Olympic dreams; and the vast majority of its announcers, including Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, offering color commentary from a network compound in Stamford, Conn., instead of China.
The rising political tensions between the United States and China, including over China’s human rights abuses, add a troubling cloud to a typically feel-good spectacle.
“My friends and colleagues at NBC have been dealt the worst hand imaginable,” said Bob Costas, who served as the network’s Olympics prime-time host for more than two decades.
The success of the Games is critical to NBC. Even as streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have lured millions of people from broadcast networks, sports have remained a reliable moneymaker. The company has exclusive broadcast rights to the Olympics through 2032, at a cost of $7.75 billion.
Ratings for the Olympics have dipped in recent years — and fell sharply during last year’s Summer Olympics. NBC has told advertisers to expect the ratings to be lower than the 2018 Winter Olympics, according to three people familiar with the network’s ratings estimates.
The Olympics, however, remain so central to the NBC brand that the five-rings logo has been affixed to the bottom-right-hand corner of its broadcasts for much of the last year.
And NBC Sports executives said they were up to the challenge to produce a compelling event.
“The good news, if there is good news, in dealing with live sports in a pandemic, is we have a ton of experience at this point,” said Pete Bevacqua, the chairman of NBC Sports. “Think about the last two years across our portfolio. We have become skilled out of necessity. We saw that in Tokyo, where we had an unbelievably large presence in Stamford.”
Mike Tirico, an NBC Sports anchor, is in Beijing and will host the first few days of coverage from China. Craig Melvin, an NBC News anchor, will be in Beijing as well, along with 600 other staff members on the ground.
But because of China’s Covid-19 restrictions, most of the sports commentators will be in Stamford, part of a crew of about 1,500 people there. And NBC will not have access to many aspects of the Games that viewers are accustomed to: charming travelogue segments about a host city; live shots of an athlete’s family and friends, who have traveled to a foreign country to see a loved one compete; commentators rushing up to a competitor who just scored gold.
NBC will deploy workarounds, including setting up cameras in the homes of athletes’ family members to try to replicate a celebratory television moment that viewers expect to see. And in interviews, producers and executives said that NBC’s wealth of Olympic production experience would only help matters.
“The replays will be there, the slow motion will be there, the graphics, all of that will be visually spectacular,” said Mike Weisman, a former longtime executive producer for NBC Sports who oversaw coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Still, because of China’s strict virus-testing policy, there are many promotional benefits to other parts of NBC Universal that the company will have to forgo this year. For years, the NBC morning franchise, “Today,” as well as the “NBC Nightly News,” moved their broadcasts to the Olympic host city, providing a ratings lift in the process.
But this year, the “Today” anchors, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, will stay in New York, the first time in nearly two decades that the morning show has not traveled for the Olympics. Lester Holt, the “NBC Nightly News” anchor, will also remain in New York.
“Would you rather have ‘Today’ there? Yes,” said Jim Bell, a former executive producer of “Today,” as well NBC’s Olympics coverage from 2012 to 2018. “Would you rather have fans in the stands? You bet. Would you rather have Johnny and Tara and set them loose on the streets of Beijing? Of course. But if it comes down to you can’t have the Olympics because of the pandemic, it’s better than not having it.”
Politics is adding another twist. NBC executives usually bank on the Olympics as a politics-proof treat for viewers that transcends ideological differences. But even that bubble has been pierced. Last week, House Republicans sent a letter to NBC executives asking about the “the extent of influence” that the Chinese government will have over the network’s broadcast of the Games. In December, President Biden announced a diplomatic boycott of the Olympics because of China’s human rights abuses.
“The circumstances put an inevitable damper on the whole thing,” Mr. Costas said. “The average person now fully understands the nature of the Chinese regime. It’s not something that just news nerds are aware of. This is broadly understood.”
Mr. Weisman, the former NBC Sports producer, said, “Especially being in China, I think it may not have the same feel-good celebration that had made the Olympics so special in the past.”
The Coronavirus Pandemic: Key Things to Know
The state of the virus in the U.S. The coronavirus has now claimed more than 900,000 lives across the country, and the Covid death rates remain alarmingly high. The number of new infections, however, has fallen by more than half since mid-January, and hospitalizations are also declining.
NBC said it would use Andrew Browne, an editorial director at Bloomberg and formerly the China editor at The Wall Street Journal, and Jing Tsu, a professor at Yale, to help provide analysis on China during the broadcasts.
“The world, as we all know, is a really complicated place right now,” Molly Solomon, the executive producer of NBC’s Olympics coverage, said in a news media briefing in January. “And we understand that there’s some difficult issues regarding the host nation. So our coverage will provide perspective on China’s place in the world and the geopolitical context in which these games are being held.”
“But,” she continued, “the athletes do remain the centerpiece of our coverage.”
NBC is also hoping that the Games can provide a boost for its fledgling streaming app, Peacock. The company is encouraging people to sign up for a paid version of the app that will show all the Olympic events live.
Executives have vowed to make Peacock easier to use this year after an outcry from subscribers who complained the streamer was a baffling mess for last year’s Summer Games.
There is a bright spot for NBC: The network is guaranteed to get a ratings boost in the middle of the Olympics. On Feb. 13, NBC will broadcast the Super Bowl, and immediately after the presentation of the Vince Lombardi trophy, the network will go straight to Olympic coverage. In recent years, programs that followed the Super Bowl generally have drawn more than 20 million viewers.
With the Super Bowl gradually drifting later into February, this will be the first time that the two signature sporting events will overlap. NBC switched its spot with CBS in the Super Bowl broadcast rotation to ensure it could broadcast both events on the same day. NBC executives are calling it Super Gold Sunday.
“A once-in-a-lifetime moment,” Jenny Storms, NBCUniversal’s chief marketing officer for entertainment and sports, said last month.
Mr. Bevacqua, the NBC Sports chairman, said he was hopeful that the Olympics, instead of being a downer, would be a tonic to viewers exhausted by the pandemic.
“Certainly there are challenges, and certainly there are harsh realities,” he said. “But I think the beauty of sports and the beauty of Olympic sports is really needed right now more than ever, and that’s the story we want to tell.”
Mr. Costas said he expected NBC to be smart and resourceful. “But inevitably, no matter how good a job they do, those circumstances are going to have an impact,” he said.
Tiffany Hsu contributed reporting.
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February 04, 2022 at 02:11AM
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NBC Opens Olympics With ‘Worst Hand Imaginable’ - The New York Times
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Friday, February 4, 2022
USF joins competitive military network to address key cybersecurity challenges - University of South Florida
The U.S. military is enlisting the University of South Florida to help address complex cybersecurity challenges.
USF is among 84 universities and colleges nationwide selected to partner with U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) through its new Academic Engagement Network. The goal is to enhance efforts in applied cyber research, applied analytics, strategic issues and future workforce development.
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida, submitted USF’s application to be part of the CYBERCOM network, and is coordinating the university’s participation. Cyber Florida, which is a statewide organization hosted by USF, works with all 12 Florida State University System institutions.
Ron Sanders, Cyber Florida’s staff director, described the application process as “very rigorous,” noting, “It wasn’t as if anybody could just raise their hand and say they wanted to be part of CYBERCOM’s network.”
Created in 2010, CYBERCOM in its early years was a spinoff of the National Security Agency (NSA).
“The reason it was spun off is because at the end of the day, NSA is an intelligence agency – it collects intelligence,” Sanders said. “Cyber Command is a combatant command. Its current doctrine is to ‘defend forward’.”
He also noted that while the NSA has its own relationships with academic institutions, its research needs are distinct from those of CYBERCOM.
“The Academic Engagement Network focuses on what scholars in the academic community can contribute to Cyber Command in terms of frontline cyber operations,” Sanders said. “It is more narrowly focused on those tactical research questions that can help Cyber Command and the country protect military networks and, frankly, go after bad guys if and when necessary.”
In terms of how USF faculty will be able to share their expertise, Sanders described the evolution of the Academic Engagement Network as “a case of crawl, walk, run, and Cyber Command is in the crawl stage.”
“Initially, I think Cyber Command plans on asking a number of fairly technical cyber security questions that we could share with faculty to see if any of them have insights or solutions to those particular questions,” he said. “As the Academic Engagement Network matures, it will become more of a dialogue where we share things we’re researching with Cyber Command, and these may be areas they haven’t thought about but may have applications to the Command.”
Sanders gives credit to Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the NSA, for recognizing the value of engaging with the academic community.
“There’s a lot more capability in the academic community than either NSA or Cyber Command together can field within their own ranks,” Sanders said.
As the Academic Engagement Network matures, Sanders believes there will be opportunities for students to become involved through grants awarded by Cyber Command or other agencies.
“At some point, grants will follow, research will follow, research assistants, graduate assistants, internships will follow,” he said. “The net result will be more information and insight flowing back to Cyber Command on various issues.”
Sanders also said his office is talking with Cyber Command about naming Cyber Florida as an affiliate member of the Academic Engagement Network.
“We told Cyber Command that we could reach the other State University System institutions, we’re engaged with their scholars and their colleges,” he said. “As an affiliate member, they would treat us not only as a source of cybersecurity insights in our own right, but also as a conduit to other scholars who may not be part of the Academic Engagement Network but who have something to contribute to Cyber Command.”
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February 04, 2022 at 11:43PM
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USF joins competitive military network to address key cybersecurity challenges - University of South Florida
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NOV's GustoMSC to Design and Equip Eneti's Second WTIV - MarineLink
NOV's GustoMSC subsidiary has secured a contract for the equipment and design of a GustoMSC NG-16000X wind turbine installation jack-up vessel for Eneti.
Eneti is a new offshore wind player born out of a pivot into offshore renewables by what used to be a bulk carrier specialist Scorpio Bulkers.
Eneti ordered its first WTIV in May 2021, and the second in December 2021. Both vessels will be built by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME).
NOV last year won contracts for the design and the supply of equipment for Enetis's first next-gen WTIV, and now for the second.
Under the new contract, NOV will provide the design and jacking system for the vessel. Vessel delivery is scheduled for Q2 2025.
According to NOV, there are currently three NG-16000X designs under construction, and all are optimized, self-propelled wind turbine installation jack-up vessels that feature increased carrying and lifting capacity, as well as greater lifting height above the deck.
Both of Eneti’s wind turbine installation vessels are of the same series and are ready to carry multiple 20MW turbine sets. The vessels have been designed with the option to adapt in the future, allowing them to operate on alternate fuels, NOV said.
Per NOV, the NG-16000X design includes the GustoMSC rack and pinion jacking system with a variable speed drive, integrated to offer high performance, reliability, and safety for more than hundreds of jacking moves throughout the lifespan of the vessel.
The jacking system features a regenerative power option where the generated power is fed back into the vessel system. The design further incorporates a 2,600-ton leg encircling crane, ready to install monopile foundations and wind turbines. The vessel can install turbines at depths of up to 65 meters of water.
"We worked closely with Eneti to have their first NG-16000X ready for construction, and now the second is ordered according to plan,” said Commercial Director of GustoMSC Jan-Mark Meeuwisse. “Eneti also acquired the shares of Seajacks, expanding their fleet with five existing GustoMSC-designed jack-ups. This, combined with the two NG-16000X new builds, shows Eneti’s commitment to this offshore wind installation market."
"The shortage of wind turbine installation jack-ups capable of installing heavier and higher turbines in deeper waters is foreseen,” Meeuwisse continued. “The GustoMSC team prepared for this change. This includes actively seeking ways to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the reduction of the industry carbon footprint. The alternate fuel and regenerative power options, combined with our century-and-a-half of experience in the offshore maritime sectors and our pioneering spirit, make us a leading partner for our clients."
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February 04, 2022 at 07:19PM
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NOV's GustoMSC to Design and Equip Eneti's Second WTIV - MarineLink
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CSUF initiatives equip new students with the tech they need - OCRegister
To onlookers, it may have seemed like Christmas in January. On Jan. 20 and Jan. 21, about 100 new Cal State Fullerton students lined up at the Center for Equitable Digital Access, located at Pollak Library, to receive new iPads or laptops.
The technology deployment was in response to two initiatives that allow every new transfer student at CSUF an opportunity to request an iPad bundle as part of a systemwide program — California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success, or C-SUCCESS — or a Microsoft Surface Go Laptop as part of the ongoing CSUF TitanWare program.
The aim of both programs is to enhance student achievement and to help close the digital equity divide, said Chi-Chung Keung, director of News Media Services at CSUF.
“Cal State Fullerton is pleased to participate in the C-SUCCESS program providing spring 2022 first-year and new transfer students a free iPad technology bundle or laptop,” Keung said. “This initiative supports our commitment to student success and represents a desire to bridge the digital divide experienced by our students.”
Approximately 6,000 students throughout the CSU system will receive an iPad bundle this semester. Combined with the 22,700 devices previously deployed, the C-SUCCESS program will have served nearly 29,000 students during the 2021-22 academic year.
Keung noted that access to technology is a significant resource for helping students succeed from day one of their university careers. “While there are still many barriers to overcome to create truly equitable outcomes, this program is a critical step forward.”
For the C-SUCCESS program, CSUF purchased an initial batch of 1,000 iPad Air bundles, which include an iPad, keyboard folio, an Apple pencil and personal Wi-Fi hot spot.
For students who need laptops, CSUF purchased Microsoft Surface Laptop Go devices for its TitanWare laptop program. TitanWare was created as the university’s early response to the pandemic.
Both programs will be offered to all incoming spring 2022 students, with distribution to take place in small groups to maintain safety during the current COVID-19 surge. To date, 800 students have signed up to receive their equipment.
Students will keep their devices throughout their undergraduate experience and will return them by the time they graduate or leave the CSU.
To learn more about C-SUCCESS, visit Calstate.edu/CSUCCESS.
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February 04, 2022 at 10:27PM
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CSUF initiatives equip new students with the tech they need - OCRegister
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Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Market: Segmentation by component (physical network infrastructure, SDN applications, and controller software) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA)--Forecast till 2025 |Technavio - Longview News-Journal
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Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Market: Segmentation by component (physical network infrastructure, SDN applications, and controller software) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA)--Forecast till 2025 |Technavio Longview News-Journal"network" - Google News
February 04, 2022 at 06:15PM
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Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Market: Segmentation by component (physical network infrastructure, SDN applications, and controller software) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA)--Forecast till 2025 |Technavio - Longview News-Journal
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Thursday, February 3, 2022
‘Yellowstone’ Renewed for Season 5 at Paramount Network - Hollywood Reporter
Yellowstone will ride again at Paramount Network.
The ranch drama starring Kevin Costner and from creator Taylor Sheridan has been renewed for a fifth season on the ViacomCBS-owned basic cable network. The family drama capped a record-breaking season in January when the finale drew 10.3 million total viewers, an all-time high for both the series and Paramount Network. (The show is the last scripted original on the linear network.)
“Yellowstone’s record-breaking performance proves we’ve tapped a cultural nerve and unleashed a passionate audience from the center of the country to each of the coasts,” said Chris McCarthy, president of ViacomCBS Media Networks. “Kevin Costner leads our incredible cast who make the Duttons America’s favorite family and, this new season is sure to be another one fans won’t want to miss.”
Production on season five begins in May, with guest stars Jen Landon and Kathryn Kelly both upped to series regulars and joining a cast that also includes returning stars Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Forrie Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Finn Little, Ryan Bingham and Gil Birmingham.
The rising interest in Yellowstone also sparked a larger conversation about ViacomCBS’ streaming strategy as the drama is not available on Paramount+. The streamer is the conglomerate’s top priority but a years-old licensing deal that came before Viacom and CBS re-merged — and before CBS All Access was rebranded to reflect the company’s entire entertainment portfolio — has Yellowstone streaming exclusively on NBCUniversal-backed Peacock. Executives have reportedly attempted to buy back those rights, but Peacock has been unwilling to part with the show.
Still, ViacomCBS execs have used the linear strength of Yellowstone to drive fans to Paramount+. Paramount Network launched the Sheridan-produced drama Mayor of Kingstown after Yellowstone, with subsequent episodes of the Jeremy Renner starrer available exclusively on Paramount+. A month later, Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel 1883 debuted on the platform. Paramount+ reported this week that 1883 and Kingstown rank first and second, respectively, as the streamer’s most-watched original series. Sheridan, who is on his second, nine-figure overall deal with ViacomCBS, is further expanding the franchise to even more spinoffs in a bid to keep subscribers and limit churn with Yellowstone offshoot 6666 in the works for the streamer. Sheridan has six shows in the works at the company, with the recently renewed Kingstown joining the three Yellowstone shows and the upcoming Land Man (based on the Boomtown podcast) and spy drama Lioness also in the works for Paramount+.
“We are honored to be able to bring audiences another season of Yellowstone. The continued growth in viewership and the recent recognition from the guilds bolsters our commitment to continue to bring groundbreaking entertainment to audiences,” said executive producer David C. Glasser of 101 Studios.
Yellowstone was originally greenlit by Kevin Kay, the former Spike TV exec who was tasked with rebranding the male-leaning cable network into a general entertainment hub called Paramount Network. Kay was pushed out amid the larger ViacomCBS reorg but Keith Cox, his top lieutenant who helped recruit Sheridan to the network, continues to work with the prolific producer on the franchise.
Sheridan co-created Yellowstone alongside John Linson. Both exec produce alongside Art Linson, Costner, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari and Stephen Kay. The series, which recently garnered SAG and PGA nominations, is produced in-house by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.
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February 03, 2022 at 11:00PM
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‘Yellowstone’ Renewed for Season 5 at Paramount Network - Hollywood Reporter
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