Crocmedia has expressed its desire to broadcast the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
“It’s no secret that we remain interested in the Olympics,” said Crocmedia boss Craig Hutchinson at an event in Sydney last night.
“I think the situation with the ABC not having the rights is new and unique. Like everyone, we’ll be throwing our hat in the ring in the coming weeks.”
The ABC last year confirmed it would not be buying the radio rights for the Tokyo games due to budget pressures, thus ending a 67-year broadcast partnership with the Olympics.
The decision has ultimately left the door open for a new radio broadcaster to enter the market.
Crocmedia’s radio stations include SEN – 1116 SEN, SEN+, SEN2, SEN3, SEN SA, as well as the SEN app and sen.com.au.
Speaking of the Tokyo Olympics, Hutchinson pointed to the attractive time difference between Australia and Japan, which will see major events broadcasted during prime time.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty rare Olympics,” he said. “To be an hour apart from the timezone… it’ll be the most consumed Olympics ever.”
Hutchinson did acknowledge the concerns around whether the Olympics will actually go ahead amid the current coronavirus outbreak.
According to the World Health Organisation’s most recent situation update, there are 186 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, which have so far resulted in three deaths.
Organisers for the event have told the media preparations have “continued as planned”, however, local top-flight football league the J-League has now been called off until mid-March.
