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BroadcastingBROADCAST OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES RIO 2016The Olympic Games Rio 2016 was the most consumed Olympic Games ever – taking into consideration broadcast coverage viewed on television and digital platforms, as well as engagement on social media Half of the world’s population watched the Olympic Games Rio 2016, with viewers having access to more Olympic content than ever before. The average television viewer watched over 20% more coverage of Rio 2016 than London 2012, with 584 TV channels, more than 270 dedicated digital platforms and hundreds of official broadcaster pages on social media platforms conveying the magic of the Olympic Games to the world. Broadcasters around the world made more television coverage (up 13.5% on London 2012) and more digital coverage (up 198.6% on London 2012) available than ever before, with Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) distributing a record of 357,000 hours of total coverage – up 97% from the 181,523 hours broadcast for the Olympic Games London 2012.Rio 2016 truly marked a watershed moment in the history of Olympic broadcasting, highlighting the changes in media consumption habits and underlining how broadcasters are expanding their digital offerings to provide their viewers with more choices than ever before in terms of how, when, and where they can watch the Olympic Games.“With half of the world’s population watching the Games, Rio 2016 were the most consumed Olympic Games ever. These figures show the great appeal and the relevance of the Olympic Games.” Thomas Bach, IOC President*taking into consideration broadcast coverage viewed on television and digital platforms, as well as engagement on social media Rio 2016 was the most consumed Olympic Games ever*More TV coverage and more digital coverage available than ever beforeBROADCASTING023