Network Ten and Foxtel have scored shared live broadcasting rights for the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. The 2010 Commonwealth Games will also be the first to screen in high definition.
The two broadcasters partnered up in their bid for the coverage rights. Under the deal, both broadcasters will be able to screen the games live, simultaneously, except the opening and closing ceremonies, for which Ten has exclusive live coverage.
Foxtel has snagged exclusive live rights to broadcast coverage via mobile, internet and digital video broadcast handheld (DVBH) as well. Foxtel and Ten will look to on-sell radio rights to the Games.
On TV, Foxtel will broadcast all 17 sports live on multiple HD channels, while Ten will broadcast in HD, SD and analogue.
Network Ten chief executive officer, Grant Blackley, said: “Securing the 2010 Commonwealth Games rights reinforces Ten’s position as the industry leader in broadcasting premium high definition sporting events. Ten will showcase the Commonwealth Games as never before across our HD, SD and analogue platforms. The Commonwealth Games will be broadcast in a highly favourable time zone attracting audiences and premium advertisers alike and will deliver Ten both outstanding ratings and significant revenue.
Foxtel Chief Executive and Managing Director Kim Williams AM said: “Australians have always enthusiastically embraced the Commonwealth Games which have consistently dominated Australian television ratings. Foxtel is looking forward to redefining the way in which its subscribers watch this prestigious sporting celebration with unparalleled, high definition coverage of the entire games, the likes of which has never been seen before.
“And in honoring and serving its customers, FOXTEL will not only provide access to complete coverage of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, it will do so also via new technologies including mobile and the internet
