The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) announced on Thursday that it has signed a historic agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, to secure the broadcast rights of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
This makes the SABC the first broadcaster in Africa to obtain these rights.
Peter Matlare, SABC group CEO, who signed the deal on Thursday, said: ‘What makes this deal particularly sweet for all involved is the fact that it was struck in the year that South Africans will celebrate their 10th year of democracy.â€
The Athens broadcast promises to be bigger and better that the 2000 Sydney Olympics, particularly because an extra three million South African viewers will be able to watch the games.
Matlare added: ‘This country’s sports lovers will therefore be part of a massive worldwide audience, possibly the biggest in sporting history.â€
The signing was also attended by Dr Sam Ramsamy, president of National Olympic Committee of South Africa (Nocsa), there in his official capacity and an IOC member.
‘This is a culmination of a long and fruitful negotiation, assisted in no small part by the support of Dr Ramsamy and Nocsa. We are grateful for Nocsa’s support in this endeavour,†said Matlare.
Ramsamy said: ‘We are grateful for the SABC’s commitment to promote the Olympic ideals. This is a partnership that will do much to unite us as a sporting nation. South Africa is part of a worldwide Olympic family and as a family we will support one another on the road to Athens, Beijing and beyond. We are indebted to the SABC for [its] commitment both to the Olympic ideals and for determination shown in negotiating these rights for the nation.â€
The Olympic Games will be broadcast predominantly on SABC2 with a midnight feed on SABC3. Also, all radio stations under the SABC umbrella will feature the Games. Radio 2000 will be the anchor station, featuring extended live coverage for the duration of the Athens event.