McLaren Formula 1 will work with Amazon to create a multi-part documentary series about the team's '17 season. Makers of the as-yet-untitled multi-episode series have been granted behind-the-scenes access to follow the team and new driver Stoffel Vandoorne. The series will be a global release as part of Amazon's Original Unscripted Series and will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The series is executive produced by Manish Pandey, Chris Connell and Anwar Nuseibeh, and is due for release this fall (McLaren).
Multiscreen software and navigation specialist Accedo teamed with HTC Vive for a partnership "aimed at accelerating the virtual reality market along with a collaboration that will deliver VR sporting events in tandem with the Australian National Basketball League" (MULTICHANNEL NEWS, 3/29).
Channel 4 described proposals to move it out of London as "highly damaging." U.K. Culture Secretary Karen Bradley outlined plans for a consultation at the Nations & Regions Media Conference in Salford. She also told delegates that proposals from her predecessor to privatize the publicly-owned broadcaster have been "scrapped." Birmingham has been "touted as a possible location," but "there have also been overtures from Salford," near Manchester (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 3/29).
The Int'l Cricket Council "praised" Hong Kong for staging the Hong Kong T20 Blitz from March 8-12. Cricket Hong Kong said that viewership numbers "wildly surpassed targets," with 11.8 million views on Facebook and YouTube across five days -- "firmly establishing the tournament on the global Twenty20 calendar." Last year's rain-shortened, three-day event garnered 51,000 views. The number of people watching in Hong Kong rose to 146,000 online, from 8,000 last year (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 3/29).
Equestrian Australia annouced a partnership with Horse & Country TV. The four-year deal will provide EA's members with access to exclusive equestrian content from Australia and overseas (EA).
TF1's broadcast on Tuesday of the int'l friendly between France and Spain drew an average audience of 5.9 million viewers, translating to a 25% market share. Spain’s 2-0 win attracted a peak audience of 7 million viewers (L’ÉQUIPE, 3/29).
