The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced an agreement with the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation Limited (SABC) for the acquisition of the broadcast rights within 37 territories in sub- Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The agreement includes exclusive over-the-air television and radio broadcast rights and non-exclusive satellite, mobile and internet rights.

It covers English, French and Portuguese languages, with a minimum commitment of six hours per day on over-the-air television, with two highlights packages per day, and four hours per day on radio.

The IOC selected the AUB/SABC partnership on its capacity to reach the largest possible audience, as well as its commitment to broadcasting tailored programming of the Olympic Games in sub-Saharan Africa and promoting the values of the Olympic Movement in the region.

In a press release copied to Times Sport, IOC Executive Board member Richard Carrion while commenting on the agreement said: "We are delighted to have reached this agreement as it is extremely important that Olympic fans across sub-Saharan Africa have the opportunity to watch the Olympic Games via the best possible broadcast coverage. The members of the AUB are well placed to provide a first-class service.”

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