By David Gold
February 23 – UEFA has announced that ARD and ZDF have been awarded Germany’s exclusive broadcast rights to the European Championships 2016, held in France.
It is the first rights agreement for 2016, when the European Championships will involve 24 teams for the first time in its history.
This means the total number of games will increase from 31 to 51.
ARD and ZDF are content partners with UEFA for national team competitions in Germany and will broadcast Euro 2016 live and free of charge in the country.
Their coverage of the tournament will extend to the internet, radio and mobile devices, with magazine and highlights programmes on offer as well.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA marketing director, said: “National team football is continuously enjoying massive popularity in Germany, also reflected by exceptional television ratings in recent years.
“In the run-up to UEFA EURO 2012, we are delighted to have extended our long-standing relationship with ARD and ZDF.
“Both broadcasters have an exceptional track record of broadcasting major international sporting events and they are the perfect home for the UEFA European Championship.”
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