ANO Sports Broadcasting, a consortium of Russian television companies including free-to-air broadcasters RTR and Channel One, and pay-television broadcaster NTV Plus, has acquired the rights to the 2014 and 2016 Olympic Games in a deal with the Sportfive agency.
The deal covers rights across free-to-air television, pay-television, internet, mobile and radio. Live television coverage will be shown on free-to-air channels Channel One and RTR’s Russia 1, Russia 2 and Russia 24. Additional coverage will be carried on pay-television.
Vasily Kiknadze, chief executive officer of ANO Sports Broadcasting, said: “By signing this agreement we have taken on the responsibility of providing top quality coverage of the greatest global sports event, which will be eagerly awaited by millions of Russian fans and television audiences. Our team, which will work in close cooperation with RTR, Channel One and NTV Plus, are prepared to rise to this exciting challenge.”
Shaila-Ann Rao, chief executive officer of Sportifive International, said: “We are delighted to have concluded this deal for Russia with Ano Sports Broadcasting, representing the principal channels RTR, Channel One and NTV Plus. We are certain that this will provide the best possible coverage to both the Winter and Summer Games across Russia and greatly contribute to the success and excitement of the Games in Sochi.”
The 2014 winter Olympics will take place in Sochi, Russia. Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 summer Olympics.