IOC Opens Tender For TV Sales Agency

The International Olympic Committee has opened up a tender process for the
appointment of an agency to consult on the sale of TV rights in Europe for the
next contract covering the 2014 and 2016 Olympics.

The IOC is currently reviewing its future European broadcast strategy and is
seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced company or companies to
assist in the review of its position in Europe with a view to determining future
strategic direction and priorities.

The Olympic governing body has previously favoured a single deal with the
European Broadcasting Union which has then distributed the rights to its
constituent members in each nation – predominantly terrestrial broadcasters.

In the UK, the BBC has been the long-term recipient of the IOC’s
long-standing relationship with the EBU.

However there has been growing speculation that the IOC will abandon this
collective rights sale in favour of individual deals in each country which could
prove to be a more lucrative option.

The move could signal the end of the BBC’s hold on the Olympics although,
under the UK government’s Listed Events ruling, the rights Games would still
have to be sold to a terrestrial broadcaster.

Agency bidders are requested to submit their proposals to the IOC by 5pm
(Swiss time) on 28th September 2007.