Mark
01-02-05, 01:48 PM
Southern Cross Broadcasting (SCB) and the ABC have won the radio rights for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
The decision continues the long history of SCB-ABC involvement in Commonwealth Games since Sydney in 1938.
Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, has welcomed the announcement.
"Southern Cross and ABC Radio are the premier broadcasters in Australia and they will allow people, who can't be in Melbourne in March 2006, to access all the Games' action.
"These broadcasters will ensure communities in all areas of the country can hear first hand all the excitement of the Games."
Melbourne Games Corporation Chairman, Ronald Walker, says awarding the commercial and non-commercial radio broadcast rights represents the next step in the countdown to the 18th Commonwealth Games.
"Having both the Southern Cross Talk Radio Network and ABC Radio on board will ensure coverage is available around the nation to virtually every Australian.
"Between the two radio broadcasters, Australia will receive comprehensive coverage of the Commonwealth Games, the majority of which will be live.
"This translates to a lot of exciting radio over 12 days of world class competition and events."
SCB Managing Director, Tony Bell, says: "We are delighted to again be involved in radio broadcasting the Commonwealth Games and the decision is testament to our expertise as a broadcaster of major live multi-sport events.
"The Games are about passion and excellence and we look forward to celebrating and sharing the medal winning performances, the heart wrenching experiences and the goals achieved with our listeners."
ABC Radio Director, Sue Howard, says: "We are also thrilled to be joining the Melbourne 2006 family, as we understand how important it is for all Australians to cheer our athletes come Games' time.
"ABC Radio's coverage of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will build on the ABC’s reputation for providing the Australian public with outstanding coverage of key national and international sporting events."
Walker says both broadcasters are committed to showcasing Melbourne and Victoria in the lead up to, and during, the Games.
"Southern Cross Broadcasting has the only national commercial talk radio network, covering Australia’s major capital cities including 3AW in Melbourne and 2UE in Sydney. Southern Cross Syndication delivers news to 161 stations across every state, making it the most widely heard commercial radio news service in the nation.
"ABC Radio can be heard in every corner of Australia, with a network of 51 regional and nine metropolitan stations across Australia.
"More than 4500 elite athletes from 71 nations will gather in Melbourne to take part in the XVIII Commonwealth Games from 15-26 March 2006.
"The event is also expected to attract a global television audience in excess of one billion people."
SOURCE (http://www.radioinfo.com.au)
The decision continues the long history of SCB-ABC involvement in Commonwealth Games since Sydney in 1938.
Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, has welcomed the announcement.
"Southern Cross and ABC Radio are the premier broadcasters in Australia and they will allow people, who can't be in Melbourne in March 2006, to access all the Games' action.
"These broadcasters will ensure communities in all areas of the country can hear first hand all the excitement of the Games."
Melbourne Games Corporation Chairman, Ronald Walker, says awarding the commercial and non-commercial radio broadcast rights represents the next step in the countdown to the 18th Commonwealth Games.
"Having both the Southern Cross Talk Radio Network and ABC Radio on board will ensure coverage is available around the nation to virtually every Australian.
"Between the two radio broadcasters, Australia will receive comprehensive coverage of the Commonwealth Games, the majority of which will be live.
"This translates to a lot of exciting radio over 12 days of world class competition and events."
SCB Managing Director, Tony Bell, says: "We are delighted to again be involved in radio broadcasting the Commonwealth Games and the decision is testament to our expertise as a broadcaster of major live multi-sport events.
"The Games are about passion and excellence and we look forward to celebrating and sharing the medal winning performances, the heart wrenching experiences and the goals achieved with our listeners."
ABC Radio Director, Sue Howard, says: "We are also thrilled to be joining the Melbourne 2006 family, as we understand how important it is for all Australians to cheer our athletes come Games' time.
"ABC Radio's coverage of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will build on the ABC’s reputation for providing the Australian public with outstanding coverage of key national and international sporting events."
Walker says both broadcasters are committed to showcasing Melbourne and Victoria in the lead up to, and during, the Games.
"Southern Cross Broadcasting has the only national commercial talk radio network, covering Australia’s major capital cities including 3AW in Melbourne and 2UE in Sydney. Southern Cross Syndication delivers news to 161 stations across every state, making it the most widely heard commercial radio news service in the nation.
"ABC Radio can be heard in every corner of Australia, with a network of 51 regional and nine metropolitan stations across Australia.
"More than 4500 elite athletes from 71 nations will gather in Melbourne to take part in the XVIII Commonwealth Games from 15-26 March 2006.
"The event is also expected to attract a global television audience in excess of one billion people."
SOURCE (http://www.radioinfo.com.au)