Staff writer

NAGANO -- It was sheer enthusiasm that allowed CBS to use what it calls "the heart and soul" of Nagano -- Zenkoji Temple -- as the hub of its broadcast operations for the Winter Olympics.

The U.S. broadcaster finished building its three-story, steel-frame studio last month on the grounds of the 1,400-year-old temple, only a glance away from its main sanctuary. "The enthusiasm of CBS is incomparably greater than that of the Japanese media," said Shuei Wakaomi, a monk and chief executive of the temple. "Japanese television stations never even asked us for the use of our property for their Olympic broadcasting."