Olympic Channel and Japan Consortium sign strategic distribution deal

In support of its objective to engage new audiences and younger generations with the Olympic Movement all year round, the Olympic Channel has announced a new partnership with the Japan Consortium covering linear and digital platforms.

The agreement runs through 2024, encompassing the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and includes linear programming blocks and digital presence, including embedded video across the networks within the Japan Consortium under the “Olympic Channel” brand.

The Japan Consortium, which includes NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) and JBA (Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association), is the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s rights-holding broadcast partner in Japan through 2024.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Japan Consortium to deliver the Olympic Channel experience, ensuring that viewers across the country are more closely connected to the Olympic Movement every day of the year,” said Mark Parkman, General Manager of the IOC’s global Olympic Channel. “This new partnership is the first step toward localisation in Japan to further engage fans and new audiences with the Olympic Channel brand in between the Games as we strive to create even more excitement ahead of Tokyo 2020.”

The new partnership complements the Olympic Channel, which launched as a worldwide digital platform following the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Rio 2016. Through collaborations with the IOC’s rights-holding broadcast partners, the Olympic Channel is developing localised versions leading to more personalised experiences for Olympic fans around the world.

Mark Parkman, Olympic Channel, GM