Geneva, 8 January 2010 - The European Broadcasting Union (EBU)* and the Finnish Skiing Association (FSA) have reached an agreement to prolong their cooperation with regard to the worldwide broadcast rights to the Nordic Skiing World Cups taking place in Finland for the next three seasons, from autumn 2010 to spring 2013.  The contract includes Ski Jumping, Cross-Country and Nordic Combined World Cups in Kuusamo, Lahti and Kuopio, altogether 50 competitions during the term. 

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the discussions: "We are pleased to have secured a prolongation of this important contract, which underlines the dedication, solidarity and the strength of the excellent cooperation between the parties during the last years.  The FSA organizes some of the best Nordic World Cups on the circuit with the Lahti Games as a crown jewel. The commitment of the EBU and its Members towards Winter Sports is firm and we will continue to play an important role within this key section of the sports rights' acquisition market"

FSA Managing Director Juha Viertola said "This contract is an important base for our activities and we are therefore pleased to have secured a prolongation with the EBU, the world's largest consortium of TV broadcasters, until the season 2012-2013. Our excellent cooperation with the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE will also continue under this contract. This contract gives high level TV-production for our World Cup Competitions and brings pictures from Lahti, Kuusamo (Ruka) and Kuopio around the World. The contract also gives us financial security for the years to come and recourse to continue high level support to our athletes and trainers.”

Note to Editors:

*About the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

The EBU serves 125 national media organizations from 56 countries in and around Europe. It represents its Members and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. The Eurovision and Euroradio networks deliver news, sports, events and music to EBU Members and other media organisations. Services to Members range from legal advice, technical standardisation and development to co-production and exchange of quality European content.