Panasonic steps in to aid Rio Olympic ceremonies

Panasonic is one of the International Olympic Committee’s top sponsors, but taking a role in the ceremonies is unusual, and reflects the reality of Brazil’s dire economy.

What this reflects is that nation-states are ever more under corporate control and the Olympics, once a celebration of sport and of national pride, is now mostly a branding opportunity.

BRICS ain't what it used to be.

If ya don't want the public to be burdened with debt, ya have to turn to the private sector.

The audio, video, lighting and pyrotechnic components, as well as the cost of production of these opening and closing ceremonies, has being going through the roof, as each country tries to outdo the previous games, and push their culture and country on all the attendees, and those who watch on the sponsoring TV channels.

Perhaps it is time to go back to a much simpler approach?