The role of commentators in figure skating

[jenny12]

I think Tara and Johnny are capable of making good comments but they don’t come off as professionals the way someone like Tanith does. One thing about Dick Button that I liked is (whether you agreed or not), it was clear what he valued about skating and he was able to shape that into a narrative that informed his commentary. Tara and Johnny don’t have that so their commentary sometimes comes off as unfocused IMO.

 

[On My Own]

One thing about Dick Button that I liked is (whether you agreed or not), it was clear what he valued about skating and he was able to shape that into a narrative that informed his commentary.

I think people focus on Dick Button's insistence on "artistry" and his biases (which I don't believe he ever tried to hide and appear "objective" which is more than what I can say of every American after him), but I very much agree that he came off as liking skating first, and always gave comments specific to the skater. He also gave criticism that would improve the skater - sure according to his bias, but again, at least he cared?

 

[Hedwig]

Good point. The one thing that annoys me most- even more than talking the whole time- is commentators being clearly not interested in the sport and not caring about it or the rules.

I always get the British Eurosport commentators mixed up who got the boot thankfully but there were a couple clearly not interested in skating and still in the 6.0 system. How will you make viewers care if you do not care yourself?

That is how Belinda won me over. She really cared. A lot.

 

[skatingguy]

 

[SkateFanBerlin]

Poor Ted. This weekend was such a marathon. He must be exhausted.

 

[Frau Muller]

Poor Ted. This weekend was such a marathon. He must be exhausted.

But I can’t wait to hear him again in late August when JGP Courchevel starts up. I’m tuned out til then!

 

[SkateFanBerlin]

But I can’t wait to hear him again in late August when JGP Courchevel starts up. I’m tuned out til then!

Dont`leave us. Off season is conspiracy theory time, Eteri-bash time, pre-rotation analysis time. There`s much to do!

 

[Frau Muller]

Dont`leave us. Off season is conspiracy theory time, Eteri-bash time, pre-rotation analysis time. There`s much to do!

Ha ha….new programs time! I hope to hear of great new programs - not modern schlock - for Ilya and Isabeau…and anything BUT “Whining Woman” for Amber Glenn!!!!

 

[Sylvia]

But I can’t wait to hear him again in late August when JGP Courchevel starts up.

First JGP will be August 23-26, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand.

There are 5 internationals left on the ISU calendar:

Thailand Open Figure Skating Trophy, May 1-4, Bangkok, Thailand
ISU International Adult Competition, May 15-20, Oberstdorf, Germany
Oceania International Competition, May 15-17, Auckland, New Zealand
Mexico Cup, May 16-20, Mexico City (Queretaro City), Mexico
Hollins Trophy International, June 9-12, Sydney, Australia

 

[Frau Muller]

First JGP will be August 23-26, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand.

There are 5 internationals left on the ISU calendar:

Thailand Open Figure Skating Trophy, May 1-4, Bangkok, Thailand
ISU International Adult Competition, May 15-20, Oberstdorf, Germany
Oceania International Competition, May 15-17, Auckland, New Zealand
Mexico Cup, May 16-20, Mexico City (Queretaro City), Mexico
Hollins Trophy International, June 9-12, Sydney, Australia

Bangkok in AUGUST…can be torture!

 

[Frau Muller]

Dont`leave us. Off season is conspiracy theory time, Eteri-bash time, pre-rotation analysis time. There`s much to do!

How many times will Dave Lease run into Eteri at a US airport & take a selfie? She’ll be followed across America, I bet.

 

[SkateFanBerlin]

How many times will Dave Lease run into Eteri at a US airport & take a selfie? She’ll be followed across America, I bet.

Didn`t know she was still here. What a piece of work.