TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that CBC/Radio-Canada has secured the Canadian broadcast rights for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and the 2024 Olympic Games. With today's announcement, CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's Olympic Network and Official Broadcaster for the next five Olympic Games including Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018, and Tokyo 2020.
CBC/Radio-Canada will also be a broadcast partner, from 2016 until at least 2023, for the IOC's new global digital Olympic Channel. The public broadcaster will provide Canadian sports content to support the channel's focus on the Olympic Movement between Games.
"CBC/Radio-Canada's best-in-class coverage, including expansive digital offerings, helped change the way Canadians engage with the Olympics," explains Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. "This is clear recognition of the exceptional coverage CBC/Radio-Canada provided for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games – the most watched Olympics in history."
IOC President Thomas Bach said: "CBC/Radio-Canada is a strong supporter of sport in Canada. We have extended our existing partnership until 2024, with CBC/Radio-Canada committing to continue its broadcast of the Olympic Games as well as year-round coverage of Olympic sports. We also have a pledge on both sides to collaborate on the new global Olympic Channel project. Finally, over 90 per cent of the revenue the IOC generates from this, and indeed all of its commercial agreements, will be distributed back to support sport at all levels around the world."
As lead broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada will be working again with its primary Olympic broadcast partner, Bell Media along with Rogers Media. "The broadcast partnership model we've put forward is respectful of the stature of the Games, fiscally responsible, and perfectly aligned with CBC/Radio-Canada's current strategic plan. These partnerships show the public broadcaster can play a role in bringing together the larger broadcast community in the interest of the Canadian audience," said Hubert T. Lacroix.
"TSN and RDS are committed to bringing Canadians the world's biggest sports moments, and we look forward to partnering with CBC/Radio-Canada to showcase the next generation of Canadian Olympic heroes," said Mary Ann Turcke, President, Bell Media. "With the country's top broadcast team and a legacy of production expertise, TSN and RDS have been a key part of Canada's Olympic tradition for decades. As the primary Olympic broadcast partner, we look forward to delivering the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and the 2024 Olympic Games across our suite of platforms."
"The Olympic Games have a unique way of connecting Canadians across the country to celebrate the pride and passion in amateur sport," said Rick Brace, President, Rogers Media. "Rogers has a rich history in sports, delivering the stories that matter most to fans. We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with CBC, and are pleased that Sportsnet will continue to deliver the Games to Canadians."
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.
A space for us all is CBC/Radio-Canada's strategy to transform the public broadcaster, and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mandate for Canadians, now and for future generations. Through to 2020, the Corporation will increase its investment in prime-time television programming and continue to create radio programs of the highest quality, while promoting the development of digital and mobile platforms and content.
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SOURCE Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Chuck Thompson, Public Affairs, English Services, [email protected], 416-205-3747
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