Media

Olympic fever is hotting up in Beijing, with posters plastered around subway stations, advertisements in national newspapers and passionate pledges of support in state media by everyone from taxi drivers to government leaders, but it is not Sydney they are getting worked up about, this interest is triggered by Beijing?s bid to host the 2008 Games. See the `FEATURES? section of SportBusiness.com for the full story.

Four television companies shortlisted for broadcasting the Athens 2004 Games must submit their final bids by September 12, the organising committee has said.

The Finnish Football Association has sold the UK rights for the World Cup qualifier between Finland and England to the Digital Broadcasting Company - paving the way for the first pay-per-view broadcast of an England international soccer match.

Most of the planet's inhabitants who have access to a television set will be watching the Sydney Olympics, according to viewing projections released by the IOC.

Moldova's soccer association has denied a report that it had been offered $1 million to renovate the country's main stadium by UEFA or that any funds from such an amount had been used for earlier repairs.

Foxsports.com, and sporting goods e-commerce firm Global Sports, have formed an exclusive long-term alliance.

UK boxing promoter Frank Warren is expected to announce a major deal with FOX Sports to telecast fights from Europe beamed to the States starting this summer.

Major Japanese Internet investor Softbank Corp has affirmed that its affiliate will start an online sports news service in a joint venture with Rivals.com Inc, a U.S. operator of Internet sports news.

Sports media technology firm Sportvision Inc and digital media company ACTV, Inc has agreed to collaborate on the development of convergence applications for sports programming.

The PGA Tour and Palm Inc. have announced a 5-year, $15 million sponsorship agreement.

Extreme International has signed an agreement with Yes Satellite TV to distribute its Extreme Sports Channel in Israel.

As part of a strategic alliance between the World Wrestling Federation and Viacom, TNN are to telecast three World Wrestling Federation entertainment series this autumn.

The European Broadcasting Union has bestowed its highest distinction on Albert Scharf, head of Bayerischer Rundfunk (the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation), for his ?outstanding contribution to broadcasting? ? among which has been his ability to secure key sports rights.

Media company Belo Corp says it is to sell its interest in the NBA?s Dallas Mavericks and its new downtown arena.

British athletics governing body UK Athletics has won a top marketing award for its brand development.

The London-based soccer advisory company, Media Content Sports Media Advisors Ltd, has secured its most prestigious consultancy project to date.