Infront extends major broadcast agreements for FIM Superbike World Championship
Long-term commitments for television coverage across Asia and the Middle East – On board cameras introduced at Donington
The extensions of the broadcast agreements cover the Asian and Middle East territories. ESPN/STAR has committed for a further five years and will continue to broadcast to fans across the whole Asian region whilst Al Jazeera and J Sport have each extended for a further three years covering the Middle East and Japan respectively.
Stephan Herth, Executive Director Summer Sports, said: “Media coverage of the FIM Superbike World Championship now is well-established in the Asian and Middle East markets with leading regional broadcasters showing long-term commitment to the series. Especially the further development in Asia remains a clear priority for us, as the market has a strong potential mainly for manufacturers but also in terms of new fan and sponsor levels.”
Overall, the FIM Superbike World Championship is broadcast today in approximately 175 countries and the 2010 season saw a TV audience increase of 33% compared to the previous year. With more than 3,000 broadcast hours of coverage, it reached a cumulative audience of 498 million viewers for the series.
On board cameras introduced at Donington Park
Infront markets all forms of media rights to the Superbike series on a worldwide basis, including TV and new media, offering live, delayed and highlights coverage. The company also handles media production of the leading road racing series for production-based motorcycles, investing considerable efforts to further enhance its appeal for the broadcasters and their audience.
At the upcoming round in Donington Park, Infront will introduce the feature of new on-board cameras – adding even greater excitement for the viewer as they experience the fast on track action from the viewpoint of the rider. On an average race weekend, coverage is produced from seven events amounting to over 350 minutes of live material.
Enhanced opportunities for broadcast partners
Full race feeds consist of circuit intro, pit lane, pit garage, pit wall and grid action, podium and post-race interviews (with international sound and English commentary provided) through a world feed with a commentator and sport expert. In addition - for the first time this year- Infront produces “On the Spot”, a dedicated SBK news feed for each round which has proven highly popular with broadcasters and production companies.
About FIM Superbike World Championship
The FIM Superbike World Championship is the leading road racing World Championship using production-based motorcycles. The series is one of the sport’s fastest growing and most promising properties; popular with fans, manufacturers, broadcasters and commercial partners. It is promoted by Infront Motor Sports in Rome, the motor sports division of Infront Sports & Media and governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). – www.worldsbk.com
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media, based in Zug, Switzerland, has grown impressively in recent years to become one of the leading international sports marketing groups in the world. Infront employs more than 500 experienced staff across over 20 offices in 10 countries and offers high quality services in four business areas: media and marketing rights, media production and sports services (hospitality, advertising solutions, etc.). Infront has long-lasting partnerships with 120 clients and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Annually, the Group helps to deliver more than 2,300 event days of top class sport around the world.
For further information, please contact:
Jörg Polzer / Nike Möhle
Corporate Communications
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com
Julian Thomas
SBK Press Office Manager
Infront Motor Sports
Tel. +39-06-50 96 64 32
Fax +39-06-50 96 64 45
julian.thomas infrontsports.com
www.worldsbk.com
