by Larry Eder
The long-term strategic partnership between European Athletics and the European Broadcast Union (EBU) has been further strengthened with the launch of the Eurovision Sport streaming platform on Monday (5).
The development will help bring live athletics to millions more people across the continent now and in the future.
This year will see 122 hours of European Athletics events streamed on the platform, comprising the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships, the European Athletics U18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, the European Clubs Cross Country Championships in Albufeira, Portugal and the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, Türkiye.
Eurovision Sport is the EBU’s first direct-to-consumer service and is a landmark in live sports broadcasting. Noel Curran, the EBU’s Director General, said: “Eurovision Sport is a game-changer for sports fans across Europe and right around the world.
“We firmly believe that sport should be for all. Our public service media Members already bring many of the world’s leading sporting events to audiences free-to-air, and this new digital platform will provide wrap-around coverage so they never have to miss a moment of their favorite event.
“Currently, only a third of sports fans have access to premium sports channels. Through its free streaming, we hope Eurovision Sport will democratise access to live sports coverage and help grow individual sports through visibility and engagement, encouraging greater participation and making sure we are all ‘united by sport’.”
Modern media
Commenting on the launch, Dobromir Karamarinov, European Athletics President, said: “We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the EBU over the years. And it is critical that we continue to grow and evolve together to meet the challenges of the modern media climate so that athletics can continue to reach and engage existing and new audiences.”
“Our sport is a continual source of excitement and inspiration for millions across Europe. Through this new platform, we can raise the both the profile and impact of the athletics through channels that are accessible and relevant to the modern consumer.”
More information about the Eurovision Sports streaming platform can be found here.
