Baku 2015 Inks Broadcast Deal with German Sports Channel

(ATR) Organizers of the first European Games have signed an international broadcast agreement with leading German sports channel SPORT1.

It will become the exclusive broadcaster of the Baku 2015 Games in Germany, enabling viewers to enjoy free-to-air live coverage of all 17 days of competition next summer.

SPORT1 will provide a minimum of 45 hours of Games coverage across television, internet, radio and mobile platforms, with the majority being broadcast live. Live coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies will also be shown.

Under the deal, SPORT1 will broadcast the multisports event on free-to-air television in Austria and Switzerland, with an additional minimum commitment of 20 hours coverage shown on their pay TV channels.

"The signing of this agreement shows the high level of interest in the Games around the continent and ensures fans can follow their athletes’ achievements across a range of media platforms," said Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015.

SPORT1 will work closely with Baku 2015 host broadcaster International Sports Broadcasting (ISB) and will manage their production through teams based in Baku and Germany.

Olaf Schröder, chairman of management at SPORT1, promised that SPORT1 would take on a pioneering role in promoting the event in the three broadcast territories.

Michael Vesper, general director of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, said the deal was "good news for our top athletes as well as for the millions of fans, and will help make Baku 2015 a success in Germany".

Baku's latest broadcast deal means Germany, Austria and Switzerland join Turkey, Romania, Hungary and Belgium in confirming the Games will be shown on free-to-air television.

Reported by Mark Bisson.

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