It was announced on Commonwealth Day, that the BBC has been awarded the UK broadcast rights for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. It will be the 17th consecutive Commonwealth Games to be covered by the UK’s public broadcaster as the BBC.
“I can’t think of a more fitting day than Commonwealth Day to announce that our long-standing broadcast partner, the BBC, has secured our rights for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.” David Grevemberg CBE, Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive commented “The BBC has a proud and prolific Commonwealth sporting history, and following their inclusive, innovative and extensive free-to-air coverage from Glasgow 2014, I have no doubt that UK sports fans will be transported ‘down under’ for an inspiring and memorable Games experience in two years’ time.”
Mr. Grevemberg explained that UK sports fans who enjoyed 170 hours of innovative and immersive network coverage for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, with a cumulative broadcast reach of 35m UK viewers, now have the opportunity to continue to support their home nations athletes across 18 sports – including the newly added discipline of Beach Volleyball – at the next edition of the Commonwealth Games, taking place from 4 to 15 April 2018 on Australia’s Gold Coast.
“We’re delighted to be continuing our relationship with the Commonwealth Games, an event we have covered for over 60 years. The Games never fail to deliver those moments that unite the nation, and we’re delighted that we’ll be there to bring all of the action – free to air – to audiences across all of our platforms.” Barbara Slater, BBC’s Director of Sport commented.
Miss Slater pointed out that the live sporting action will take place nine hours ahead of the UK, with the BBC promising no less than 180 hours of comprehensive through-the-night coverage, supported by daytime replay and peak time evening highlights across BBC One, BBC Two, the BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and national and local radio.