Press release from Access PR
SBS’s new in-house sales team has scored its first major goal in securing a number of major advertising Partners to the network’s 2010 FIFA World CupTM coverage.
Hyundai, McDonald’s, Nike, Optus, Sony and Kia have signed Partnership agreements across television and online, leveraging SBS’s comprehensive, multi-platform presentation of the road to the World Cup and the global event itself.
Each brand is already aligned with the world game and committed during SBS’s exclusive 10-week negotiating period for FIFA and FFA sponsors.
SBS Head of Sport Ken Shipp said: “The value of football is increasing as its Australian popularity steadily grows. The early commitment of these Partners demonstrates the value of SBS football as a vehicle to deliver strong results.”
SBS Director of Commercial Affairs Richard Finlayson said: “FIFA and FFA Partners were offered the first opportunity to align themselves with SBS’s comprehensive World Cup coverage, and our in-house sales team has achieved this exceptional result.
“With ten full months to plan – several months longer than was the case in 2006 – we are creating unique client activations for each brand to give their SBS World Cup activity maximum exposure and impact with consumers.
“We look forward to working with our Partners across all SBS platforms to build excitement, develop audience understanding of what these brands bring to our World Cup coverage, and ensure sponsors get maximum value from their investment.”
A cumulative audience of more than 16 million Australians watched SBS’s coverage of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM, with viewing peaking at over 3 million.
The 2010 FIFA World CupTM will be played in South Africa from 11 June – 12 July next year. SBS will also cover the World Cup draw live on Saturday December 5, 2009 both on SBS ONE and at sbs.com.au/theworldgame.
SBS is Australia’s leading free-to-air football network and in August broadcast the launch of the European season with the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, delivering Australian football fans more choice on free television than ever before. SBS is also home to the flagship football program, The World Game (TV and online), as well as Les Murray’s Football Feature.
www.sbs.com.au/theworldgame carries SBS’s full football television schedule and has extensive coverage of all competitions including video highlights.