Olympic broadcasters gear up for the biggest show on earth

– ‘Lifeline’ for sport –

“Major sports events remain the holy grail of broadcasting,” says Exarchos.

Demand for television rights is constantly on the increase, and this, he points out, will continue with the emergence of new digital players in the market.

“Ninety percent of the TV rights go for the support of the Olympic movement and the development of sport,” he says.

The IOC keeps the rest.

“The funding that comes from the television rights of the Games is a lifeline for the support of sports.”

“The vast majority of the sports which are in the Olympic programme would have a hard time surviving if it were not for revenues coming from the rights.”

And with that, Exarchos returns to work, ticking off another day on the road to Tokyo.