ITV to extend TT coverage
Added on Monday, November 29th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
ITV to extend TT coverage
ITV has signed a new TV deal to screen the Isle of Man TT until 2013, with an increase in broadcast hours from 2011.
Promoter, North One, has negotiated the deal on behalf of the Department of Economic Development that will see ITV4 broadcast fourteen hours of daily highlights of the legendary motorbike racing series throughout the road race festival, including preview, behind the scenes and qualifying programmes. There will also be a number of special programmes, including an exclusive look at the making of next year’s feature film TT3D.
Next year is the centenary of the mountain course, and a raft of special guests, events and celebrations are planned. Clips of all the action, all the excitement from the festival and the full highlights programmes will also be available on ITV.com.
ITV4 is the UK’s 10th most popular digital channel and is available to 93 percent of homes, free-to-air on all digital platforms including Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media. The channel has an established reputation for broadcasting premium sport, which this year has included the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Europa League, Indian Premier League cricket and the Tour de France. Other motorsport broadcast by ITV includes the British Touring Car Championship, World Touring Cars and Motorsport UK.
Niall Sloane, ITV Controller of Sport said: “The Isle of Man TT is a legendary sporting event, with a unique atmosphere that has always proven popular with viewers. I’m delighted that we have secured the TT on ITV4 until 2013.”
“ITV4′s real commitment to the TT was a key reason in pulling together a long term agreement,” added Neil Duncanson, CEO of North One Television said. “Not only will the races get prime time slots, but the marketing and promotion of the TT across the nation’s premier commercial network is extremely valuable.”
Allan Bell, MHK, Minister, Economic Development, said: “Television coverage of the TT is an important part of what we are trying to achieve for the Isle of Man’s economy, both in terms of promoting the many facets that the Isle of Man has to offer and also with regard to our commercial strategy for the races. I am delighted that we have been able to secure significant support from one of the UK’s leading broadcasters which is a positive reflection on the event’s strength and success.”
