ABC Local Radio to bring Paris Olympic Games live across regional Australia

Australia World

In short:

ABC Local Radio will broadcast the Olympic Games to listeners across Regional Australia, as well as Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart and Canberra.

The licensing agreement with Nine will ensure every Australian can access live broadcasts of Australian athletes.

What’s next?

Coverage will include the opening and closing ceremonies, highlights programs, key events and replay coverage.

Australian Olympic officials have welcomed news that ABC Local Radio will broadcast the Paris Olympics, ensuring every Australian will be able to stay up to date with the achievements of our athletes at the Games.

Under a sub-licensing agreement struck between the ABC and rights holder Nine, the national broadcaster will broadcast the Games across its regional radio network, as well as ABC Adelaide, ABC Darwin, ABC Hobart and ABC Canberra.

The deal will see the ABC’s expert commentary bringing the excitement of the Games to listeners across the nation.

Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said the deal ensured Australian achievements at the Paris Games would reach the widest possible audience.

The coverage will include every Australian gold medal chance, the opening and closing ceremonies, highlights programs, updates of key events and general replay coverage.

Nine will also provide ABC Local Radio with access to exclusive live television and radio commentary and interviews, as well as the feeds provided by the International Olympic Committee.

“This is a great result to ensure every Australian has access to live coverage of our athletes as they proudly compete on the Olympic stage in Paris,” Mr Chesterman said.

“Many of our team come from regional centres right across the country and the ABC reach is huge.

“Thank you to Nine and ABC for your collaboration to bring the Olympic spirit to all Australians.”

A barge floats along the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background

Barges cruise the Seine river near the Eiffel Tower during a rehearsal for the Olympics opening ceremony.(AP: Thomas Padilla)

Games a unifying force

ABC managing director David Anderson said uniting and inspiring people remains a core feature of the Olympic spirit.

“I am delighted to provide audiences with access to such an important global event,” Mr Anderson said.

“Regional, rural and remote areas of Australia are home to many past, present and aspiring Australian athletes, and all should have the opportunity to support and be inspired by those at the Games.”

Nine Radio managing director Tom Malone said the deal continues a long history of collaboration between Nine’s metropolitan radio stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR.

“This agreement augments our distribution and commercial strategy in our local markets, ensuring all Australians can access the Olympics through their local ABC in regional, rural and remote areas,” he said.

The Games start on July 26.

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