FIG / EBU, TV rights: The End of the Story!

fig-info: --- : The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has terminated negotiations with the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG).
Discussions focused on the contract governing the acquisition of rights for images of FIG World Championships and World Cup finals for the current 2005 – 2008 Olympic Cycle.

The EBU’s decision is based on its inability to comply with FIG financial requirements.
The FIG has acknowledged the EBU’s decision, having already commenced its own negotiations for television contracts. Initial results have been positive and substantial bilateral agreements have been signed with NTV Russia and TVR Romania. Furthermore, negotiations with Eurosport remain open and the outcome promises to be swift and positive.
In 2000, the FIG waded into the television rights market without using a marketing agency. Direct contacts made at Sportel allowed the FIG to collaborate exclusively with the Japanese network NHK, Chinese CCTV, WCC TV in the USA and Ukhozi in Africa.
Source: FIG press release

... read more about:
EBU New Media forum
Journalism and sports in the new media environment is at the centre of the EBU New Media Forum, which is taking place in Geneva on 9 and 10 June.

>> Some 70 participants from EBU Members are attending the forum, organized by the EBU Technical Department.
>> more on the EBU's Website, Congress report

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OLYMPIC ROSTER
International Olympic Committee members have a 256-page statistical report to help them decide if any sports should be dropped from the Games to make way for new events.
Each of the 28 sports contested in Athens last summer will be put to a vote; any sport failing to get a majority will be dropped for the 2012 Olympics.
Track and field, swimming, artistic gymnastics and basketball drew the highest TV viewership, while lowest went to sailing, archery, shooting and modern pentathlon. Track got the most press coverage, followed by swimming, soccer, gymnastics and basketball.
Least coverage went to trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, modern pentathlon and mountain biking.
Seven-a-side rugby, golf, karate, squash and roller sports are all vying for a spot on the Olympic program. No sport has been cut from the Summer Games since polo in 1936.
IOC information