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EXCLUSIVE | SEVEN to broadcast three High Definition channels for Tokyo Olympic Games

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  Seven’s Olympics Team  Source: Seven Network
Seven’s Olympics Team Source: Seven Network

The Seven Network will expand its broadcast line-up to three High Definition channels in time for the Tokyo Olympic Games this July.

The expanded broadcast line-up will see all the best moments from the games broadcast in High Definition on free-to-air Television via 7 and 7TWO.  

Seven’s expanded coverage of the games will also feature over 40 streaming channels via the 7plus platform allowing viewers the option to watch events from start to finish without interruption.

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While Seven offered a subscription streaming service in 2016, this year will see the games delivered for free via an advertising-supported model.

The upgrade for 7TWO comes after the network introduced a HD version of 7mate earlier this year. While the 7 and 7TWO HD free-to-air channels will be dedicated to the Olympics. 7mateHD will continue to broadcast the 2020 AFL season.

TV Blackbox understands the HD upgrade for 7TWO is a temporary measure with the channel expected to revert to standard definition after the games. Regional broadcaster Prime Television is yet to commit to upgrading any of its secondary channels to High Definition.

In addition to the channel upgrades, Seven has confirmed two of Australia’s greatest Olympians Ian Thorpe and Anna Meares have joined the commentary team.

They will be joined by fellow gold medallists Steve Hooker, Nick Green, Giaan Rooney, Scott McGrory, Russell Mark and Debbie Watson, while decorated Olympians Andrew Gaze, Rachael Sporn, Tamsyn Lewis-Manou, David Culbert, Kate Bates and Ash Nelson also headline Seven’s coverage.

Seven’s commentary team will be lead by Basil Zempilas at the swimming and Bruce McAvaney at the athletics. They will joined by the global doyen of cycling commentary Phil Liggett, the voice of hockey Dave Christison, basketball expert John Casey, and accomplished callers Michael Zappone, Mark Braybrook, Brenton Speed and Australia’s best race caller Matt Hill. Pat Welsh will be trackside at the athletics, while Nathan Templeton will be poolside interviewing all the Olympic Games stars.

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Edwina Bartholomew and Basil Zempilas have been given the honour of commentating the cultural components of the Opening Ceremony and will be joined by Hamish McLachlan, Johanna Griggs and Australian flagbearer at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 Andrew Gaze for the Parade of Nations. 

And running all over Tokyo will be Jason Richardson, Emma Vosti and James Tobin making sure audiences are kept up to date with all the colour of the Games.

For revered broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, anticipation is building in what promises to be a remarkable Games across 17 days featuring the world’s greatest athletes, new sports and in the perfect time zone:  

“Just like our Australian athletes, our team is a mix of veterans and debut broadcasters. We have a breadth of experience, knowledge and the skills of a new generation to complement what promises to be an incredible Games in our own time zone.

Tokyo is getting ever closer and we’re looking at milestone performances and practically unknown young athletes who’ll blow our socks off and become instant household names. One thing is for certain; our team and all Australians are going to experience the awe of the greatest event in sport.”

Seven’s coverage of the games will be anchored each moring by Johanna Griggs, while recent network recruit Sonia Kruger will take the reins each afternoon. Both women will be joined by Olympic Games broadcast newcomers Lisa Sthalekar and Trent Copeland as they bring a fresh perspective to Olympic updates and help viewers navigate the 43 channels.

Then each evening Mel McLaughlin and Hamish McLachlan, will guide audiences through prime-time Olympic Games coverage. And keeping viewers up to date late into the evening will be Abbey Way, who has quickly become one of Seven’s most versatile hosts working across sport and entertainment.

Seven will maximise its rights deal by locking out rival networks from venues and restricting vision access. Sunrise will be the only place Australians will be able to see all the Olympic highlights every morning. Sam and Kochie will be LIVE to Mark Beretta and Edwina Bartholomew at the centre of all the action in Tokyo.

7NEWS will provide unrestricted access to the Games. Chief Correspondent Chris Reason and Sports Editor Jim Wilson will lead a team of reporters on the ground in Tokyo – including Alex Hart, Sharnelle Vella, Rob Scott, Max Futcher, Laurel Irving, Matthew Carmichael, Pat Welsh and Nathan Templeton â€“ operating 24-hours a day from the International Broadcast Centre to report breaking news events as they happen.

 

Head of Network Sport Lewis Martin commented: 

“Seven stands alone as Australia’s Home of the Olympics and, once again, we will bring unrivalled expertise to our coverage of Tokyo 2020. We will unashamedly get behind the Australian team with the rest of the nation, but we will never ignore the stories of the rest of the world – a compelling story is a compelling story regardless of nationality.

Tokyo 2020 will be the greatest event you’ll ever see and you can trust Seven and our extraordinary team of experts to take you inside every single event, to where the best action is happening at all times.”

Exactly 16 days after the Flame is extinguished in Tokyo, a new one will be lit, signalling the start of the Paralympic Games. Johanna Griggs, Jim Wilson and Paralympic gold medallist Annabelle Williams will anchor Seven’s unprecedented coverage across 7, 7TWO and 7plus featuring up to 16 live streams. 


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Kevin Perry
Kevin Perryhttps://tvblackbox.com.au/author-kevin-perry/
Senior Editor and Co-Owner of the TV Blackbox website, Kevin Perry is an experienced media commentator focused on TV Production, Consumer Tech, SVOD & Sports Broadcasting. Media enquiries please Call or Text 0428-275-111
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