With the Athens’ Olympics just 40 days away, 2GB is gearing up for its exclusive broadcast of the 2004 Games, with 60 network stations on board and almost 200 hours’ coverage planned.
The top rating Sydney station is planning ‘live’ Games’ coverage from 3pm every day and through the night, and has made a huge investment, technically gearing up three studios in Athens, including one in the Athlete’s Village.
As the official broadcaster, General Manager, Louise Barrett, says 2GB will have a team of reporters on the ground, covering all the news, excitement, drama and highlights of Athens: “We can talk to the athletes in the village any time of the day, but rival stations will not have that access.
“While our competitors might have reporters in Athens, they will not be able to reflect all the colour, news and excitement of the Olympics. They are not allowed to speak to any athlete inside a venue or village, or broadcast any media conference ‘live’.
“Non-rights’ holding stations are restricted to broadcasting just 10 pieces of Olympic audio in 24 hours, separated by an hour each, and their reporters are not able to file news or program reports from within venues or the village, including the Main Press Centre.
“2GB will have ‘live’ commentary positions at the swimming, track and field, basketball, cycling, rowing/canoeing, hockey and gymnastics. Ray Hadley and Duncan Armstrong will call the swimming, while Ray and Jane Flemming will team up for all the excitement and drama of track and field.
“Some of the most exciting competition will be broadcast ‘live’ during Alan Jones’ breakfast show, such as showcase athletics’ events (men’s 100m final, men’s 1500m final and women’s 200m final), along with basketball, tennis, equestrian, diving, baseball, hockey and soccer.
“We have a winning team, intent on bringing Australia the most comprehensive and exciting Games’ coverage yet.”
Capital city/major city stations taking networked coverage are:
SEN1116, Melbourne
6IX, Perth
FIVEaa, Adelaide
2CC, Canberra
HO-FM, Hobart
Wave FM, Wollongong
Hot 100, Darwin
More than 50 regional and provincial stations are also taking the 2GB network coverage.