The IOC revealed the launch date for its new OTT service, the Olympic Channel, where fans can experience Olympic sports all year round. Starting on Aug. 21, after the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Olympic Channel platform will be available worldwide via a mobile app for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.
In addition, athletes and fans can follow the Olympic Channel on its newly launched social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, and sign up for Olympic Channel updates at olympicchannel.com.
The Olympic Channel is a free platform that will present original programming, live sports events, news and highlights offering additional exposure for sports and athletes all year round. Olympic Channel original programming will include both short-form and long-form content, focusing on elite athletes, their quest for success and sport around the world.
After the launch of the global digital product in August, the Olympic Channel intends to foster partnerships with other Olympic stakeholders, including rights-holding broadcasters and National Olympic Committees to develop localized versions of the Olympic Channel. Localized versions will offer language-specific user experiences on digital platforms, and will also include linear television programming options (IOC).