(ATR) Olympic TV executive Yiannis Exarchos leads the IOC into the digital frontier, creating the much anticipated Olympic Channel.
Exarchos is number three in the Around the Rings Golden 25 for 2016. Now in its 20th year, the survey ranks 25 individuals or events expected to have a major influence on the Olympics in the year ahead.
The Greek-born broadcaster is a long time executive for Olympic Broadcasting Services, the IOC owned firm which provides host broadcasting services at each Olympic Games. In 2012 he took over as director and last year added the Olympic Channel to his portfolio.
The Olympic Channel is a highlight among the 40 items passed unanimously by the IOC one year ago as Olympic Agenda 2020. The new channel, expected to be launched in 2016, is supposed to deliver a 24/7 service reaching all corners of the world via mobile device or computer screen. The programming is supposed to be dynamic, touching on all aspects of the Olympics but with an edge and enthusiasm that attracts youth.
With a budget of more than $400 million across four years, the Olympic Channel will be the biggest investment in a new property the IOC has ever made, outside of the IOC’s regular contributions that fund each edition of the Olympic Games.
Despite the obvious pressure to succeed, the gregarious 51-year-old has managed to keep his cool and calmly led the hiring of key staff during the past year -- in addition to his duties for OBS involving upcoming Olympic Games, such as Rio 2016.
2015 ranking: unranked
Written by Ed Hula.
20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.
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