RTÉ secures rights to Rio Olympic Games

RTÉ has secured "extensive broadcast rights" for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The national broadcaster will have exclusive live free-to-air television broadcast rights for the Games, as well as highlights coverage, radio coverage and “comprehensive digital coverage with live, highlights, simulcast and catch-up packages across online and mobile platforms for Rio 2016”.

The agreement with rights holder Sportfive International includes a commitment from RTÉ to air coverage of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics on RTÉ News Now, that will include the opening and closing ceremonies live, as well as a daily highlights show.

“Building on from the success of RTÉ’s comprehensive coverage of the London 2012 games, we are looking forward to being able to bring the Irish public a wide-ranging level of Olympic coverage across all our platforms once again,” head of sport Ryle Nugent said today.

“Whilst in line with our commitment to reduce our sports rights budget, this deal represents a significant investment by RTÉ, particularly in the current economic climate.”