The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has today opened public tenders for Europe and Africa media rights concerning the IAAF World Athletics Series and for the establishment of a Joint Venture for Broadcasting and Media Production.
Europe and Africa media rights
A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued in order to select one or more media rights partners for the IAAF World Athletics Series in the territories of Europe and Africa. The agreement will cover all IAAF World Athletics Series competitions and the period will be determined following negotiations. The IAAF is open to proposals for wider regions or individual countries, favouring those best positioned to exploit or act as agents for those rights in their desired territory.
New digital technologies have created opportunities for the IAAF and its media partners to deliver more flexible coverage of athletics which is increasingly demanded by the modern-day fan, whether they be a traditional supporter, potential new fan or the general sports-viewing public. Correspondingly, in offering its media rights in Europe and Africa, the IAAF will be receptive and flexible to creative proposals that show an understanding of the aspirations of athletics and the way that fans and casual viewers want to consume sports content.
The schedule of the RFP outlines a two-month bidding process leading to presentations by the end of June and the announcement of a preferred partner(s) in early July.
Those interested in tendering should email mediarightsRFP@iaaf.org.
Joint Venture for Broadcasting and Media Production
As part of its efforts to enhance its fan, audience and sponsor experience, the IAAF has issued a Request for Information (RFI) with the intent of establishing a Joint Venture for Broadcasting and Media Production which will deliver a more unified and consistent approach to the host broadcasting of athletics events.
The aim is to develop production capabilities that can be used by local organising committees around the world to ensure consistent high level broadcasts and production standards. This requires investment in equipment and resources that are athletics-specific, increased continuity in broadcasting and production teams, and a better transfer of knowledge from event to event.
The IAAF believes that building production capabilities by itself will take too long and that the most efficient and beneficial way to launch this new business is to enter into a joint venture with a company that has production capability and experience that could benefit from the IAAF's network, understanding of athletics, control of the calendar, and relationships with its members and local organising committees.
At the end of a month-long selection process and interviews, the IAAF will award the selected company an exclusive negotiation period. The joint venture is expected to be operational in January 2018.
Those interested in tendering should email productionRFI@iaaf.org.
IAAF CEO Olivier Gers commented: "Athletics needs to better embrace and exploit recent digital advances which allow more flexible delivery of our wonderful sport to the world, whether that audience is at home, in the office or on the move. We also must ensure we present the excitement and spectacle of athletics at its best and for that a consistently high level of production is essential. We therefore look forward to engaging with partners who share our vision for the future of athletics broadcasting based upon consistently high standards and multiplatform delivery that benefit our sport and our commercial partners."
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