OLYMPIC BROADCASTING SERVICES
We are the host broadcast organisation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
BROADCASTING THE GAMES
We deliver the images, sounds and data that captivate billions of viewers worldwide
Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) produces the live television, radio and digital coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our coverage is neutral, favouring no particular country or athlete, and includes sports competitions as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
The International Olympic Committee established OBS to serve as the permanent host broadcaster for the Games, eliminating the need to continually rebuild the broadcast operation for each edition, and as a result create a more efficient, streamlined operation. This continuity allows us to maintain the highest Olympic broadcast standards from Games to Games.
SERVICES TO RIGHTS HOLDING BROADCASTERS
How the world watches the Games
We deliver our coverage to broadcasters around the globe
We provide unbiased coverage, as well as other services, to Media Rights-Holders (MRHs) who have acquired the exclusive rights to distribute the coverage of the Olympic Games. Together, we share the inspiring athletic achievements and spectacular Ceremonies of the Games with viewers all around the world.
We design, build and operate the International Broadcast Centre
The International Broadcast Centre (IBC) is the temporary home for Olympic Broadcasting Services and the Media Rights-Holders during each Games. We provide broadcasters with customised space for offices, studios and control rooms, as well as other services. All coverage from each competition venue comes to the IBC before it is transmitted to the world.
We help broadcasters personalise their coverage for their home audiences
We provide additional services to Media Rights-Holders at the competition venues so they can add their own commentary and interviews, allowing them to tailor their coverage for audiences at home.
We represent the needs of rights-holders
We communicate and coordinate Media Rights-Holders’ requirements with other key Olympic stakeholders, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the local Organising Committees and the International Sports Federations.
THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
We use the most advanced technology to bring viewers the most memorable celebration of sport
We ensure the high standards of Olympic broadcasting are consistently maintained from one edition of the Games to the next. As part of this mission, we make use of the latest state-of-the-art broadcasting technologies to continually improve the level of services that define television quality standards and inspire future innovations.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Minimising our impact and leaving a positive legacy in the host city
Doing more with less in our planning and operations
To increase flexibility, efficiency and sustainability in the broadcast of the Games, we have adopted a “more with less” mindset. As much as possible we are repurposing materials from one Games to another, including cabling as well as a fully reusable module system for the IBC. In addition, we have considerably reduced the broadcast requirements at venues. By offering more ready-to-air content and remote solutions, we have also allowed Media Rights-Holders to reduce their own footprint in the host city and optimise their operations.
Guided by Olympic Agenda 2020 and the New Norm, the IOC’s strategic roadmap of reforms aiming for more affordable and legacy-oriented Games, we are committed to working closely with local organisers to reduce the complexity of our broadcast operations, resulting in economic savings and a more effective and sustainable delivery of the Games.
We train and hire the next generation of broadcast professionals
Now strongly established as a legacy from the host broadcaster to each Games’ host city, the Broadcast Training Programme (BTP) provided work experience to more than 13,000 students since its creation for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984. Many of those students have gone on to successful broadcast careers in the sports industry.
Through the BTP, Olympic Broadcasting Services, in conjunction with local universities, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local students to gain training and paid work experience alongside the best broadcast professionals in the world, working on the largest broadcast operation in the world.
News
VISIT THE OLYMPIC CHANNEL