USOC Moves Closer To Launching 24-Hour U.S. Olympic Network

The USOC is taking a "major step toward launching a U.S. Olympic Network," as USOC COO Norman Bellingham said that the proposed net "could announce a partnership with one or more media companies within the next 90 days," according to Karen Rosen of AROUND THE RINGS. Bellingham: "Meaningful discussions are taking place on an extended basis with some of the most significant players within the media industry." The 24-hour network "would air competitive events, archival footage, human interest stories and maybe even reality shows or Olympic-themed movies." The USOC also owns the rights to a "lot of archival footage from past Olympic Games, which would provide low-cost content." Rosen notes a network dedicated to Olympic programming "could increase the value of the brand prior to negotiations for future Games broadcasting contracts, as well as boost exposure of sports rarely seen on television." Bellingham said that the net "would be distributed via cable and satellite providers and also would produce content online, through video on demand or mobile phones." Bellingham added that he "did not anticipate a conflict with programming by NBC Universal or any other network with rights to Olympic events." Bellingham, asked if the net would generate a profit, said, "I certainly hope so." But he added the objective is "not to make a fortune." Bellingham "would not give a specific cost per year for the network, but acknowledged it would be well into millions of dollars." Rosen notes start-up costs "will also be significant" (AROUNDTHERINGS.com, 10/16).

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