Several Malaysian broadcasters may team up to make an offer to the Dentsu agency for the rights to the 2016 summer Olympic Games, according to national newspaper the Star.
The newspaper, citing sources familiar with the talks, said that almost all local broadcasters, both free-to-air and pay-television companies, are in discussions with Dentsu over acquiring the 2016 Games rights.
However, the report added that while current negotiations are taking place between Dentsu and individual broadcasters, the companies may seek to team up in order to afford the rights.
The Star said a group bid would compose of state broadcaster RTM, the Media Prima Group and pay-television operator Astro. It added other players like telecommunications company Telekom Malaysia and new pay-television operator Asian Broadcasting Network might also join in.
In August Dentsu expanded its Olympic Games portfolio in Asia by acquiring rights to the 2014 winter Games and 2016 summer Olympics in several territories across the continent, including Malaysia.
The International Olympic Committee said that the agency had an obligation to ensure that coverage of the Olympics reaches “the largest possible audience.”