The ABC’s commentary team is already razor thin through two decades of federal funding cuts, departures, and retirements. I reckon 5 or 6 people at most will commentate for Aunty, and double shifts (Olympics in late nights / early mornings and AFL/NRL in the afternoons) can’t be ruled out. Also, many experts have already been signed by Nine.
The 8 hour time difference between Paris and eastern states of Australia means live coverage of late night events will clash with breakfast shows in Canberra, Adelaide, Darwin and regional areas, which usually start at 5.30am or 6am. I wonder if the starting times of these breakfast shows will be pushed back as the result.
It will also be interesting to see if the Paris Olympics coverage will take priority over local AFL/NRL broadcasts at night and late afternoons.
Finally, the Nine/ABC Radio deal rules out online and ABC listen app, so the only way listeners in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth can hear highlights of ABC’s Games coverage is through the hourly news bulletins or Grandstand’s end of year review.