NRK and TV 2 share all the world cups in skiing in Norway for five years from 2021. Thus, some of the skiing remains open to everyone.
– I am very, very happy. It is a very important agreement, says NRK chief Thor Gjermund Eriksen.
The Norwegian Ski Association has sold the rights to all ski races that are arranged in Norway to NRK until 2026. NRK and TV 2 in turn agree to share in sending the world cup organized in this country.
The three parties met just one hike away from Holmenkollbakken on Wednesday to sign the agreement.
This means that Norwegian TV viewers get free access to all world cup skis that are organized in Norway, as well as Norwegian championships and other national competitions. Today there are world cup competitions in alpine, jumping, combined, cross country and telemark in Norway.
– NRK will retain the place as the most important provider of Norwegian and international winter sports, Eriksen states.
Lost for NENT Group
In April 2019, NENT Group secured the rights to display the World Cup and Ski World Cup from the 2021/22 season. These were rights the International Ski Federation (FIS) had control over. NRK stretched longer than ever, but had to give up in the bidding war.
But the agreement that has now been signed is a patch on the wound, Eriksen confirms.
– No, it certainly isn’t. We said at the time when NENT got the FIS agreement that we still have great ambitions to build a good winter offer and retain our position as the most important provider of Norwegian winter sports. And we do that now, says the broadcaster, while also announcing that the channel has also acquired the rights to Ski Classics.
President Erik Røste of the Norwegian Ski Federation is also cheering.
– The agreement ensures that Norwegian ski runs are shown on the public broadcasters, a world-class TV production through which NRK is to deliver, and wide and good distribution abroad. And that is important for both our position and our reputation as a World Cup organizer, says Røste.
Benefits before the season starts
NRK is cooperating with TV 2 on several TV rights, and the parties agree that the two channels will split the World Cup competitions between them.
The distribution should be made well in advance of the start of the season each year. In addition, NRK has the rights to all other national races, such as the season opening and the NM in various disciplines, writes the ski association in a press release.
– The sun is shining today, and that’s why. We are very, very happy to be able to work with NRK with the dissemination of skiing in Norway. We look forward to that. We have a great collaboration with NRK from the European Football Championships and the World Cup, and we will build on that, says CEO and Chief Editor Olav T. Sandnes in TV 2.
(© NTB)
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