NHK secures Paralympic Games broadcasting and exhibition rights through to 2024

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has awarded NHK the exclusive broadcast and exhibition rights in Japan for the Paralympic Games through to 2024, in an agreement that is the biggest in Paralympic broadcasting history.

NHK, Japan’s only public broadcaster, has acquired the rights for television, radio, internet, mobile and all other media platforms for the PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, 2022 and 2024 Paralympic Games.

During Tokyo 2020, NHK aspire to provide the most comprehensive broadcasting campaign ever delivered by a broadcaster from the host country for a Paralympic Games.

They plan to show dedicated live coverage across their networks, including television, radio, digital services and 8K Super Hi-Vision. In addition to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, NHK will broadcast competition from Tokyo 2020 on terrestrial and satellite television channels every day.

The schedule will be further enhanced through extensive coverage of the Games and athletes on NHK’s news programmes and digital platforms.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “This is a monumental agreement for the entire Paralympic Movement, the biggest long-term deal in Paralympic broadcasting history which highlights the growing appetite for Paralympic sport ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

“NHK has a rich history of producing excellent Paralympic content and we are very excited about the plans they have not just for the Paralympic Games, but the promotion of para-sport events in between the Games. The deal means more para-sport coverage than ever before for Japanese TV viewers.

“Such a long-term agreement, further strengthening the partnership between the two organisations, will enable us to further raise awareness of the Paralympic brand and its values in Japan in the lead-up to, during and in the years following the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

NHK announced: “Since the 1964 Tokyo Games, NHK has been broadcasting the Paralympic Games pushing the Paralympic Movement forward in Japan. With expectations and excitement rising high ahead of Tokyo 2020, NHK will make full use of their experiences and technologies to send to viewers throughout every corner of Japan, the attraction and the excitement of the Paralympic Games.”

Before all future Paralympic Games, NHK will promote the event through the creation of dedicated websites, pre-programming and comprehensive and wide-ranging marketing campaigns.

By covering para-sport events, such as international competitions staged by IPC sports in the years in between the Paralympic Games, NHK will contribute to the Paralympic Movement in Japan.