Olympic Games – Record-Breaking Tv Coverage In The Pacific
TVNZ's coverage of the Olympic Games on its Pacific Service has broken all records for continuous satellite
transmissions from New Zealand to Island broadcasters.
Olympic coverage began with soccer before the Opening Ceremony and continued, non-stop, showing a wide variety of events
for a total of 480 hours. This was received and re-broadcast by20 Pacific TV stations, many more than usually
participate in the Service.
"Round the clock transmission, a mix of live and recorded events from the Olympic Games, was a first for the region"
says Ric Carlyon, Manager of TVNZ's Pacific Service, "and reports indicate island audiences were thrilled at the chance
to see their competitors in the Opening Ceremony and participating in their chosen sports. Most stations broadcast hour
after hour of Games coverage and some got caught up with the Beijing magic and remained on air way past their usual
close-down times".
The extensive coverage was made possible by a contribution from the IOC, supported by the Oceania National Olympic
Committees, enabling viewers on some of the most remote islands in the world to share sports action direct from the
Olympic Games.
ENDS