The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Friday that the Olympic broadcast rights for Europe for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2012 Summer Games have been awarded to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in a agreement that covers a wide range of media categories including television, radio, Video-on-demand, internet, broadband and audio rights; and foresees extensive sub-licensing.
The process, which began in March with the launch of an open tender and resulted in the submission to the IOC of proposals from national broadcasters, multi-national consortia and agencies, concluded after 48 hours of round-the-clock negotiations.
Italy was not included in the agreement after what reports say appears to be a major falling out between the IOC and the state broadcaster RAI.
IOC International Broadcast Director Michael Payne said he was clearly delighted with the immediate outcome and the groundwork which has been done in preparing the market for future bidding rounds.
He said, “we discussed some very impressive and interesting bids, including those from individual broadcasters and sports agencies”.
In a release the British Olympic Association (BOA) “warmly” welcomed the announcement. Craig Reedie, Chairman of the British Olympic Association said, “I am delighted that the excellent relationship the BOA enjoys with the BBC will continue through 2012. The BBC is one of the world’s leading broadcasters and has unparalleled experience of covering the Olympic Games”.
London is one of the five cities bidding for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
