[Press Release by Access PR]
International athletics will be showcased on SBS in 2009 with the network broadcasting over 28 hours of LIVE athletics action and nine hours of championship highlights from across the globe.
A feature on the SBS sports schedule since 2002, domestic athletics tournaments will no longer be shown on the network with SBS focusing on broadcasting the major international athletics events run by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) commencing with the first event on the schedule the 37th IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Jordan on April 12.
The highlight on the international athletics calendar in 2009 is the IAAF World Championships in Athletics from Berlin. SBS will cover the 9-day event in August live showcasing the network’s fourth World Championships broadcast.
“After seven years working with Athletics Australia and offering our audience the pleasure of watching local heroes perform on Australian soil, the network has released Athletics Australia from its contract to pursue other opportunities,” said SBS Head of Sport, Ken Shipp.
“SBS has greatly enjoyed its partnership with Athletics Australia and presenting domestic athletics to our audience and we look forward to seeing the continued success of this sport in Australia.”
“In 2009, SBS will shift its focus on delivering the best athletics events on the international calendar and our viewers will be able to continue watching our nation’s finest compete on the international stage against the best athletes in the world.”
SBS Athletics Schedule
Sunday 12 April, 11am 37th IAAF World Cross Country Championships
Amman, Jordan
Sunday 26 July, 12pm 6th IAAF World Youth Championships
Sudtirol, Italy
Sunday 16-Monday 24 August 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics
Berlin, Germany
Sunday 22 September, 11am 7th IAAF World Athletics Final Thessaloniki, Greece
Sunday 25 October, 12pm 18th IAAF World Half Marathon Birmingham, England
* Check local TV Guides or sbs.com.au/schedule for television times.