Lausanne/Tokyo – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded Japan Consortium the broadcasting rights for the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games. Japan Consortium, an association between NHK and NAB (The National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan), has an ongoing relationship with the IOC. The total sum of the broadcast rights fee amounts to 32.5billion yen (US$312million). “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Japan Consortium, with which we have been working for many years,” said IOC President, Jacques Rogge. “Its support has not only enabled us to provide Japanese viewers with increased coverage of the Olympic Games, but also promoted Olympic sports and Olympic values outside Games time.” Japan Consortium was reportedly selected on its capacity to reach the widest audience possible, across a variety of broadcast platforms, including free-to-air television, subscription television and digital media, internet and mobile phone. The agreement also includes the possibility of sub-licensing broadcast rights to specific platforms. NHK President Shigeo Fukuchi said, “As a public broadcaster, NHK has been committed to conveying the Olympic values on its terrestrial and satellite channels. NHK will continue to utilize its latest broadcast technology, and together with NAB shall strive to deliver the highest quality broadcast for our audiences to enjoy the Olympic Games.”