The largest independent producer, packager and distributor of sports programming in the world was chosen by Clipper Ventures plc, the AIM-quoted marine company chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The agreement follows a competitive tender process conducted by the event’s commercial partner, Fast Track Sailing.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston today said: “The race will be a truly international sporting event, with teams already signed up from Liverpool, Durban, Western Australia, Singapore, Glasgow, and the Channel Island of Jersey - defenders of the race title. TWI’s unparalleled international network, distributing programming to over 200 countries worldwide, makes them a perfect choice as host broadcaster for the event.
Bill Sinrich, chief executive of TWI, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed Host Broadcaster for the Clipper 05-06 Race, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing events. We are confident that we will be able to bring the race to a large new global audience and this appointment also enhances TWI’s existing sailing portfolio.”
TWI will maintain a comprehensive News Service throughout the duration of the race and the company will produce regular Video News Releases in advance and around the 10-month race itself. The Clipper 05-06 Race will also be seen on TWI’s best-known series, Trans World Sport, seen in more than 260 million households in 131 countries.
The arrangement also guarantees 11 commercial half-hour programmes devoted to reflecting the Clipper 05-06 Race, participating boats and stopover cities, and one commercial hour-long programme reflecting the whole race from its start on 18 September 2005, through to the grand home-coming when the fleet returns in the summer of 2006 to Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 2008.
