New sporting heroes are emerging from the Beijing Paralympics, but the majority of television viewers are not watching, due to poor program scheduling, by TV one. (Daily Highlights 11pm)

Four years ago daily highlights of the 2004 Athens Paralympics were shown at a reasonable hour, because of this many viewers, who would not normally watch sport involving disabled athletes, became avid supporters. It’s a different story in 2008, where highlights of the Beijing games have been put on the scheduling back burner, which is verging on the grave yard shift.

Dedicated fans will still watch the progress of our Kiwi athletes, even if it’s via video the next morning. However it is extremely doubtful that the casual observer will be drawn into the excitement, as they were four years ago.

If the first week is anything to go by, it’s hard to fathom the reason behind TV ones late night scheduling decision.

So far the games have been full of drama, which is surely the essence of good television. Kiwi swimmer Sophie Pascoe is fast becoming a star in the pool, winning two gold medals and who can forget cyclist Paula Tesoriero crashing on her celebration lap, after winning a gold medal in the time trial. . A day or two later a battered and bruised Paula wins a bronze in the individual pursuit, on the closing day at the velodrome. Another highlight full of drama was Kate Horan’s silver medal run, in the 200m final.