Discovery Networks Deutschland will "further expand the distribution of Eurosport in Germany." Eurosport 1 HD will become available on the cable network and IPTV platform of Vodafone Deutschland on Dec. 13. From '18, Eurosport will "exclusively transmit the Olympic Games in Germany and, as an ad-supported free-to-air channel, aims to achieve a maximum reach" (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 12/2).
Having not returned to Channel Nine's cricket coverage this summer, "James Brayshaw has now left the network entirely, with Craig Hutchison to move into his role as co-host of The Footy Show." Hutchison will step into the role alongside Rebecca Maddern, who joined the show this year. Brayshaw could not be reached for comment, but was reported to have been "a bit bemused" by the decision, according to his former co-host Sam Newman in an interview with News Corp. Newman: "He's a big boy. He's philosophical about it. A bit bemused but that's between him and his now former employer" (THE AGE, 12/4).
The Canal Group announced an agreement with Kwesé TV and Econet Media to offer the NBA to Madagascar and Mauritius. Canal+ will broadcast the next three NBA seasons on its Canal+ Sport 3 channel. The channel will show at least three games per week, the NBA All-Star Game, the playoffs and the NBA Finals (Canal).