BBC iPlayer’s Missteps at the Winter Olympics: A Tale of Two Failures

Disappointment with BBC’s Winter Olympics Coverage

As someone who loves skiing and extreme sports, I have been eagerly watching the Winter Olympics coverage. However, I am disappointed with how the BBC has failed viewers in two crucial ways.

The Winter Olympics is a special event on the sporting calendar, known for its stunning landscapes and incredible human achievements. Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the games has been hindered by certain shortcomings.

While the overall BBC coverage has been commendable, there are two specific issues that stand out, both related to the broadcaster’s streaming app, iPlayer.

Firstly, the lack of 4K streams is a major letdown. Despite advancements in technology and the availability of 4K content for other events, the Winter Olympics coverage on iPlayer falls short in this aspect. This omission is particularly frustrating considering the premium nature of the event and the investment made in TV licensing.

The absence of high-quality 4K coverage for the Winter Olympics is perplexing, especially when considering the BBC’s previous forays into Ultra HD content with events like Wimbledon, the World Cup, and even royal weddings. The question remains: why is the Winter Olympics not receiving the same treatment?

It appears that other broadcasters like NBC and Peacock are offering the games in Ultra HD, raising questions about the BBC’s rights acquisition. Regardless of the reasons, the lack of 4K streams for such a prestigious event is a significant disappointment for viewers.

Another issue I have encountered is the lack of a basic feature on iPlayer: split-screen viewing. With the Olympics featuring multiple events simultaneously, the limited live coverage options provided by the BBC can be restrictive. Having only two streams available for the 2026 games poses challenges for viewers who wish to watch multiple events at once.

A simple split-screen option would alleviate this issue, allowing viewers to enjoy two events simultaneously without the need for multiple devices. Additionally, the ability to choose which stream’s audio to listen to would enhance the viewing experience and cater to diverse preferences.

While the trend towards on-demand viewing may be on the rise, the appeal of live TV, especially for events like the Olympics, remains strong. The BBC should strive to provide compelling reasons for audiences to continue supporting traditional broadcasting through services like TV licensing.