Another Games milestone: HD TV

Games Organising Committee officials claim they have already exceeded the amount they earn through by sale of broadcasting rights. “The total contracted value for the 13 international right holding broadcasters is $46,342,601,out of which OC has already got $34,224,000. The US,Canada and Tanzania are paying for the first time for Games broadcasts from overseas,” said treasurer of OC A K Mattoo.

Australia’s Network ten will be starting daily coverage with ‘Good Morning Delhi’,while New Zealand’s Prime TV will show 12 hours live each day. The South African Broadcasting Corporation will transmit at least seven hours of coverage a day. The BBC,meanwhile,has promised to transmit at least 100 hours on its main free-to-air channels.

The Organising Committee projects that it will earn Rs 100 crore from domestic advertising. The claim comes despite the fact that a cricket series is also planned during the same fortnight. “We cannot stop others from playing sports. But we are sure we will earn around Rs 100 crore as advertising revenue,” Mattoo added.

Broadcasting right holders are sending huge teams for the coverage and have been promised several concessions by Organising Committee. “The ASI has agreed to waive the entrance and shooting fees from all monuments for the broadcasting rights holders to promote Indian heritage,” said Upasana Singh,who heads Broadcasting division.

The production is being handled by Prasar Bharati who has appointed Satellite Information Services (SIS) Live of UK for production and coverage services. The firm is expected to hire 1,300 experts across all venues for the work. “India will see the best sports coverage the world has seen till now. The newest and best technology will be used,” said Patrick Furlong,consultant for broadcasting.

Organising Committee has secured a Value in Kind (VIK) agreement worth $3,600,000 with broadcasters from Australia,New Zealand and South Africa. The airtime available in VIK will be shared with Indian Railways and Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism in India and the Commonwealth Games.