Fed: Seven and SBS to broadcast 2008 Beijing Olympics

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2007
Fed: Seven and SBS to broadcast 2008 Beijing Olympics

By Michael Gadd, National Entertainment Writer

SYDNEY, April 4 AAP - The Seven Network and SBS have confirmed they will continue their
dual free-to-air television broadcast deal for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Both networks shared the Australian free-to-air rights to the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Seven has again secured exclusive broadcast rights to the opening and closing ceremonies
along with the blue ribbon events including swimming, track and field, rowing, cycling
and gymnastics.

SBS will again cover the less glamorous or longer-running events such as football,
road cycling, volleyball and table tennis.

Seven chief executive David Leckie said the agreement was not only a positive business
deal for his network, but would broaden the coverage of the games beyond what a single
channel could provide.

"Viewers will see terrific coverage on Seven with no change in the events we have broadcast
during past Olympic Games and this will be complemented by coverage of a wide range of
sports on SBS, saving viewers from the need to pay to get access to the best of Olympic
sport," Mr Leckie said.

He added the rights deal was a win for free-to-air television against the emerging
power, especially in sport, of subscription TV's Fox Sports channels.

For SBS, the deal fulfils its charter to broadcast special interest and multicultural events.

"SBS is particularly pleased that the deal involves continuing its commitment to football
coverage and other specialised sports that Australians have a genuine interest in," SBS
managing director Shaun Brown said.

"The Olympic Games is probably the single biggest multicultural celebration in the
world and for SBS to be a part of it is both appropriate and exciting. We look forward
to working with the team from Seven again next year," Mr Brown said.

The Beijing games are sure to be a ratings hit for Seven and SBS, with the city's local
time just two hours behind Sydney.

More than 400 people will produce more than 800 hours of Olympic coverage on Seven
and SBS during the 17 days of the games between August 8 and 24 in 2008.

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KEYWORD: OLY08 TV

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