Bell Globemedia, Rogers Media win Canadian Olympic broadcast rights
By Adnews Staff
The International Olympic Committee has awarded the Canadian broadcast rights for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2012 Summer Games to Bell Globemedia and Rogers Media. The companies will spend US$90 million for the 2010 games and US$63 million 2012 games. National coverage of the events will be provided by a number of properties owned by the two firms, including CTV, TQS, Rogers Radio, Omni 1, Omni 2, TSN, Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, OLN, Bell Mobility and Rogers Wireless. The Bell Globemedia/Rogers joint venture had been pitching for these broadcast rights against the incumbent CBC since November. "Bell Globemedia/Rogers Media came to us with a comprehensive package that will allow not only the broadest coverage of the Olympic Games but also the promotion of Olympic sports and Olympic values beyond the 16 days of competition," said IOC president Jacques Rogge. "This substantial offer brings Canadian TV rights to an unprecedented level in terms of value and breadth and quality of coverage." The companies have committed to 24-hour coverage during both games, including 2,873 English-language hours, 1,100 French-language hours and 185 multi-lingual hours.