Korean TV network SBS has seriously dampen its global reputation for leaking footage of a rehearsal for next Friday’s opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
From what I understand… global media is now allowed to move freely in some venues to familiarise with the environment and to test their equipments, but the crews are required to sign confidentiality agreements to not reveal any specific details about the ceremony.
The Beijing Olympics organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee have both expressed their disappointment over the breach of rules, but didn’t mention anything about sanctioning SBS from the Beijing Games. It’s generally believed that SBS will walk away with a warning.
Chinese press and netizens are mostly unhappy about the leak, saying that it was spoiling the secrecy and excitement of the show. There are minor voices though, that there is no big deal with the issue and resembling it to movie teasers which could raise more interest for the opening ceremony.
KBS and MBC, other two Korean TV networks that share the Olympic broadcast rights with SBS, have both criticised SBS for their act. Western media is standing neutral on this matter though; with some opportunistic tabloids taking chances to leak ‘the leaked footage’.
Update – SBS have apologised to IOC and Beijing officials two days after the incident. They are barred from covering the opening show as punishment. [via Coolsmurf]
