Discovery Communications announced a new TV and multi-platform broadcast agreement for the Olympic Games, with Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), the public broadcaster in Croatia. This deal will make the 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games available to Croatian viewers on HRT channels as well as on Eurosport, creating a diverse and multi-faceted offering across free-to-air, pay-tv and digital.

As part of the agreement, HRT will sub-license from Discovery Communications free-to-air audio visual and radio rights, for the 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games, continuing the public broadcaster’s legacy of uniting the Croatian nation through local medal events and the best Olympic Games action. Additionally, HRT’s sublicensing package includes digital rights to the content it broadcasts on its linear TV channel. Eurosport also has rights to air all of the Olympic Games action on pay-tv and through its digital platforms. As a result of the agreement, the Olympic Games will be brought to more people in Croatia on more screens than ever before.

Kasia Kieli, President of Discovery Networks CEEMEA, said: “We have secured an innovative partnership in Croatia that will ensure that the Olympic Games remains accessible to the broadest possible audience and delivered to the highest standard for the viewer. The agreement will contribute to Discovery’s goal of delivering more coverage of the Olympic Games, across more screens than ever before.”

Siniša Kovačić, Acting General Manager of Croatian Radiotelevision: “Thanks to this agreement, Croatian Radiotelevision will again enable its customers to view world-class sports content on radio and television programs, but also through up-to date platforms. Croatian Radiotelevision follows recent world technology trends and Croatian citizens will be able to follow Olympic Games also through HRT’s digital platforms. As a public media service we are glad to be able to even more actively promote Croatian athletes and encourage their success, but also to be promoters of the Olympic values, which we share and support.”

The Olympic Games are highly valued and hugely popular with Croatian viewers. The London 2012 Olympic Games were watched by more than 3.5 million people (84% of the population) in Croatia, while 2.1 million people (71% of the population) watched the winter edition of 2014 in Sochi on television via HRT.