IMG has secured the exclusive global TV rights of the Chinese Super League in a two-year deal, with an option to extend, with rights holder CSM. The deal, which excludes mainland China, will also see IMG act as a consultant on TV production. IMG also secured inflight rights. IMG Media Head of Football & Senior VP Michael Mellor said, "The CSL is one of the new hot properties in league football following their recent investment in top players from the main European leagues." IMG has an existing relationship with the CSL, including providing strategic advice and insight and representing certain centralized sponsorship packages (IMG).
F1 PRESENTER: Steve Jones -- TV broadcaster, actor and model best known as first season host of America’s The X Factor -- "is to be the new presenter of Channel 4’s Formula One coverage which starts this month." Jones is "said to be a keen follower of motor racing." Although having "little or no background as a sports anchor, he has wide experience of working" on live TV programs, including Sunday morning show T4 with C4. He will share the Grand Prix presenting role with David Coulthard, founder of C4's F1 production company Whisper Films (London DAILY MAIL, 3/2).
BRIEFLY ...
Motosport.com is expanding to Japan through a joint venture with digital media company Kotsu Times Sha. The announcement leverages Kotsu Times Sha's joint venture investment in Motorsport.com to provide online motorsports content, video and interactive multimedia in Japan. As part of the agreement, Motorsport.com will hold a 51% stake and Kotsu Times Sha will own 49% (Motorsport.com).
Ghana national football team coach Avram Grant has been ordered to "return to the country by the local football association to concentrate on his job ahead of African Nations Cup qualifiers this month rather than appearing as a pundit on British television." Parliamentarian Kojo Baah Agyemang said that the former Chelsea and West Ham boss had been "taking the nation for granted." Ghana FA spokesperson said, "We have ordered him to return from Europe to monitor the local league" (REUTERS, 3/3).
