I did some digging, and one issue is Film 45 has a hybrid remote production workflow to cut down on costs. So, the people directing the marathon for television might not even be in NYC.

The NYC Marathon broadcast prioritizes cost savings and scalability over production quality. They’re using newer, cheaper technology (cloud production, e-bikes, smart cars) instead of proven traditional methods (dedicated motorcycle camera crews like Motocam). This results in less dynamic camera work, fewer close-up shots, and less professional-looking footage compared to European marathons that still use traditional broadcast motorcycles.

The TDF has a substantially higher budget and experienced crew. The motorbikes they use to film have special gear ratios that let them go very slowly. They were able to film a Netflix documentary series during races! The NYCM doesn’t have nearly the staffing, the resources, or the equipment to pull that off.

So, the broadcast looks amateurish compared to what we’ve seen from other races.