BC-US--OLY-NBC-Tirico,115
NBC's Tirico set to fill Costas' shoes in Korea
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Mike Tirico steps into the role of Olympics television host for NBC from South Korea starting this week, replacing Bob Costas. Tirico says he's ready for a role that requires broader interest and knowledge than typical sportscasting job. The New York native joined NBC from ESPN two years ago.
By DAVID BAUDER
AP Media Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The biggest change for Americans watching the Winter Olympics on television this month will likely be the first face they see on the screen.
Mike Tirico is replacing Bob Costas as host of NBC's prime-time Olympics coverage, which starts Thursday from South Korea. Costas was host for 11 Olympic games. NBC has groomed Tirico and he's studied up on the bobsled and luge. Whether he's suited for the role and accepted by the audience won't become clear until he does it.
The job requires someone conversant in sports. But he also must be adept talking about history, pop culture and current events, including relations between North and South Korea. A sense of humor helps, too.
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