Fifteen percent of the world watched the Olympics
Various polls taken on Monday indicate that approximately 1 billion people, or 15 percent of the world, tuned in to the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Beijing. NBC has certainly scored a much-needed ratings gold mine with this (they held off showing the Opening Ceremonies for 12 hours in order to reach a prime-time audience).Admittedly, I was hesitant when I heard the Olympics were in Beijing (I still am). They don't have the best record for human rights. I was worried that the revolution would begin sometime during the track and field events.
Not so surprising to learn is that the majority of viewers were Chinese (842 million of China's 1.3 billion population). After seven years of promotion, the Chinese were so hyped on watching the Olympics that they didn't do anything else. Plus, in a Communist country like China, there isn't much to do.
It could be a sign of things to come. First the Olympics. Then MTV. Then Cartoon Network. Then starts the revolution.

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