Do rivalries make better ratings?

[lonestar]

Is anyone else sick of the constant attempts in nearly every t.v. interview to try to create and build rivalry between every athlete? They just badgered Jeremy Wariner and LaShawn Merrit about eachother, like nobody else in the race exists. Same between Lena and Jenn. Same in gymnastics and swimming. If the athletes choose to bring it up, let them bring it up, but why create it? Do producers think it will actually bring more viewers?

[spaseminars]

Yes - that, and the stubborn refusal to show wonderful performances by athletes in events in which the US has no stake...

[lonestar]

I guess so...

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?s ... &type=lgns

"And we now have a new rivalry that should make woman’s pole vaulting fun to watch for many more years to come"