The International Olympic Committee locked in a launch day for the new Olympic Channel, announcing a debut after the Closing Ceremony of the Rio Olympic Games on Aug. 21 via a mobile app for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com. The free platform will serve up original programming, live sports events, news and highlights with both short-form and long-form content. Following launch, the platform “intends to foster partnerships with other Olympic stakeholders, including rights-holding broadcasters and National Olympic Committees to develop localized versions of the Olympic Channel” that will include linear television programming options.
“The launch of the Olympic Channel on 21st August is the start of an exciting new journey to connect the worldwide audience with the Olympic Movement all year round,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Fans will be able to follow sports, athletes and the stories behind the Olympic Games. The Olympic Channel will inspire us all and reach out to new generations of athletes and fans.”