The Nine Network and Foxtel have have scored the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Summer Olympics covering both TV, mobile and Internet rights.
The Nine/ Foxtel deal includes live rights for free-to-air, HD Channel programming and subscription television, as well as internet and mobile rights. What has not been revealed is how much they paid for it.
Next year’s Beijing Olympics are being broadcast by the Seven Network. Nine Network chief executive David Gyngell says the bid for the Olympic broadcasting was another step in a process to take Nine back to its position as the leading free-to-air broadcaster in Australia.
He said the bid for the Olympic rights underscores the network’s longer term commitment to investing in content.
“We believe the London Olympics will be a great event,” Mr Gyngell said. “London is a solid cultural fit with our viewing audiences and will achieve strong ratings particularly with the historical links in sporting and cultural terms between Australia and the United Kingdom.”
He said the broadcast rights win sends a powerful message that Nine is on the way back.
PBL Media chief executive Ian Law said the bid for the two Olympics had the strong support of the board “It clearly demonstrates a commitment to the business both in terms of its people and content,” he said.
Foxtel chief executive Kim Williams said the pay TV channel will complement Nine’s comprehensive free-to air coverage of the Winter and Summer Olympics by delivering an expanded coverage with extra dedicated channels.
