The International Ski Federation (FIS) and Infront Sports & Media agency have predicted record levels of coverage for the 2015 Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships, which got underway today (Thursday) in Kreischberg, Austria.
The FIS and Infront, the federation’s exclusive media rights partner for the 2015 and 2017 World Championships, have reported “superb levels” of media interest for this year’s event, which showcases both disciplines for the first time alongside each other.
Handling the rights for all forms of television, internet and mobile devices for the event, excluding the host territory, Infront has negotiated broadcast coverage into almost 100 countries and territories. Agreements for the Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships have been sealed with close to 30 broadcasters.
Furthermore, Infront together with the FIS is providing live online programming free-of-charge which encompasses all Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships races in full length on two dedicated YouTube channels – for countries where no exclusive media rights agreements are in place.
As a first for FIS disciplines, daily video tweets will be also distributed from the FIS Freestyle and Snowboard accounts on social media platform Twitter.
Bruno Marty, executive director of winter sports at Infront, said: “Thanks to our extensive involvement in FIS flagship events, we have been able to draw from existing expertise, network and sales capacities to maximise exposure for the competitions in Kreischberg. A high-quality live feed and tailor-made programming significantly enhanced the appeal for broadcasters. Coupled with our digital outreach via YouTube and Twitter we are convinced this will be a record breaking year for the FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships and a strong base for the future development of these two youth oriented disciplines.”
The host broadcast operation is being handled by Austrian public-service broadcaster ORF with all races produced in high-definition.