Television production company Endemol said it would remain committed to developing its sports programming portfolio despite closing its Endemol Sport division.
Endemol said its sports production projects would be redistributed from Endemol Sport to the company’s regional operations around the world, to be managed at a local level.
“Sport productions around the world will continue and Endemol will pursue further growth in sports entertainment on a local basis,” the company said.
Endemol Sport managing directors Gregg Oldfield and Lawrence Duffy will leave Endemol as part of the restructuring. The duo spearheaded the launch of the sports production division in January 2009.
“Endemol’s Sport’s output has grown to a level where we need to bring it in line with how we develop and produce all our other content internationally,” Endemol chief financial officer Just Spee said. “This new structure will allow us to continue building our business in this genre whilst delivering the best service to our clients at a local level.”
Endemol’s most high-profile sports project is the Eredivisie Live channel, which covers the top football league in the company’s homeland, the Netherlands.