New Zealand public-service broadcaster TVNZ has built on its status as the home of electric auto racing in the country by agreeing a multi-year rights deal with the Extreme E off-road racing series.
The contract will commence when Extreme E launches its maiden season in January 2021. Extreme E will head to the Himalayas, Greenland, the Amazon, Saudi Arabia and Dakar in Senegal, with the goal of highlighting the impact of climate change and human interference whilst promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
TVNZ will show five two-hour live programmes to cover each round of the inaugural season.
Melodie Robinson, TVNZ general manager of sport and events, said: “We know motorsport enthusiasts will enjoy it, but we think Extreme E will also appeal to sport fans, environmentalists and documentary watchers.
“TVNZ holds the rights to Formula E and the Jaguar eTrophy, adding Extreme E means TVNZ owns the electric auto racing scene for Kiwi viewers. E Racing is unique and it’s the future of motorsport, we’re proud to support events that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
The news is the latest in a series of rights agreements announced by Extreme E. These include deals with Fox Sports covering the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and Fox Sports Asia encompassing southeast Asia. Both of these contracts cover Extreme E’s first three campaigns. An agreement is also in place with Italian commercial broadcaster Mediaset.
Extreme E last week agreed a multi-year deal with Belarus state broadcaster BTRC.