Hong Kong commercial broadcasters ATV and TVB have agreed a late deal for rights to the 2012 Olympic Games, after tough negotiations with the exclusive rights-holder in the territory, the pay-television operator i-Cable.
Under the terms of its deal with the IOC, i-Cable is obliged to allow for at least 200 hours to be shown on free-to-air television. Negotiations with ATV and TVB for a free-to-air sublicensing deal had proved difficult. The Olympic Committee of Hong appealed to the IOC to help secure a deal after talks between the broadcasters stalled two weeks ago.
TVB will now show highlights at peak time on its Jade channel. ATV will show highlights earlier in the day. Both broadcasters will cover the opening ceremony.