Infront hails Rio 2016 coverage in sub-Saharan Africa

The Infront Sports & Media agency has praised its rights distribution for the Rio 2016 summer Olympic Games in the sub-Saharan Africa region as a success, after coverage was aired in a total of 46 territories.

Infront served as the International Olympic Committee’s exclusive media rights partner for Rio 2016 across a host of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Its distribution effort was supported by the TV Media Sport agency.

More than 230 hours of coverage was broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa during Rio 2016, which took place from August 5-21. Programming offered to broadcasters included a live/delayed signal, highlights from all competitions and full coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies.

Up to 14 hours of live coverage was broadcast each day, with commentaries provided in English, French and Portuguese. Over 50 journalists, editors and producers oversaw the delivery of the coverage. A total of 34 national television channels across the region aired the programming.

Stephan Herth, executive director of summer sports at Infront, said: “The media rights distribution for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games were a success in sub-Saharan Africa and raised awareness for the Olympic ideals through more than 230 hours of broadcast coverage.

“We have fully delivered on our promise to the IOC and all sports fans in the region, whilst also gathering more know-how on the specific needs and expectations of Sub-Saharan broadcasters.”