AOC hits out at ABC after broadcaster's decision to not bid for Tokyo Olympics rights

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AOC hits out at ABC after broadcaster's decision to not bid for Tokyo Olympics rights image

The Australian Olympic Committee has publicly shamed the ABC for the broadcaster's decision not to bid for the Tokyo Olympics.

According to The Australian, the strain on budget has forced the national broadcaster to pull the pin on its bid for the non-commercial radio rights to next year's summer olympics.

It's set to bring to an end a partnership which has lasted nearly 70 years, after the ABC first took on the Helsinki Olympic games in 1952. 

"This is an incredibly tough decision, especially given our 67-year run as the official non-commercial Olympic Games radio broadcaster," the ABC said in a statement.

"Due to competing budget priorities coupled with the fact that Australians can access Olympic Games coverage in many other ways, we have chosen not to pursue rights in 2020."

Shortly after reports first surfaced, the AOC publically took aim at the broadcaster and urged them to rethink their decision, with AOC CEO Matt Carroll labeling the decision "monumentally short-sighted". 

“The ABC should reconsider this decision,” he said.

“The AOC is prepared to put this case to the Chair of the ABC directly, on behalf of the eight million Australians who participate in Olympic sports.

“Not to mention the millions more who follow, support and celebrate those athletes.

“The AOC believes the decision is monumentally short-sighted and a great let down to Australians who rely on their national broadcaster — from the smallest of communities to our suburbs."

Carroll further suggested, given the ideal time differences between Japan and Australia, next year's Olympics was highly suitable for radio, and the ABC was therefore relinquishing a great opportunity 

He also argued the decision to not buy the radio presentation rights went against the organisations charter.

"The Olympics can inspire Australians to embrace something valuable and, as the ABC's charter indicates, to contribute to a sense of national identity. There's no bigger event in the world to fulfil this ambition," he said.

"There is no sporting movement in Australia that covers the multicultural and geographical diversity of our country as the Olympic movement. … These are things go to the heart of the ABC charter."

The news stunned a number of high-profile identities, with the likes of renowned ABC sports journalist Quentin Hull calling the decision a "national shame". 


 

 

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