Challenge Business award TV deal

Meridian get the contract again

Challenge Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Meridian Broadcasting, as the Official News Broadcaster for the Global Challenge round the world yacht race, starting on 3 October 2004 from Portsmouth, UK.

Meridian, part of Europe's largest commercial broadcaster, ITV plc, will cover the key news stories throughout the build-up to and during the race itself for the ITV News Network and ITV Regions. It will also be possible for other broadcasters to access the action-packed footage of the race.

Meridian's coverage will be co-ordinated by Robin Britton, who led the TV news team during the BT Global Challenge 2000/1 and oversaw news and documentary production for the Volvo Ocean Race 2001 - 2002.

Robin Britton, commenting on the appointment of Meridian said: "We have covered every Global Challenge since 1992 because the event never fails to deliver great news stories. In 'human interest' terms it has it all - ordinary people pushing themselves, physically and emotionally, to the limit. They go through the best of times and the worst of times while racing through some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, and in our experience, TV audiences are fascinated by the interviews and images that emerge."

Meridian Broadcasting's involvement with the race will help bring the challenge and emotion of the race to the viewing public. Spectators around the world have always followed the racing of the Global Challenge and the trials and tribulations of its competitors.

Simon Walker, Managing Director of Challenge Business commented: "It is fantastic to be working with Robin and his team again. They will bring a breadth of experience to race coverage."

The Global Challenge will see 12 identically matched 72ft yachts sprint the wrong way around the globe over seven legs. The ports of call will be; Buenos Aires, Wellington, Sydney, Cape Town, Boston and a northern European port before the final race back to Portsmouth mid July 2005.