Italian television outlet, Sportitalia has extended its partnership with Sportradar, in a deal that will see the broadcaster benefit from an enhanced content offering across four new channels from July 2019.
The two companies originally partnered in 2017, with Sportradar providing the streaming platform for Sportitalia’s 24/7 online site while also making selected content available on demand.
This extension marks the expansion of that agreement, with it now including a more personalised content offering across all four channels in full HD quality, available on both www.sportitalia.com and on smart TVs through HbbTV technology.
Users will be able to access the new channels free of charge, without a set-top box or subscription, via the red button on their remote control.
Michele Criscitiello, Sportitalia CEO, commented on the latest deal: “We’ve enjoyed significant success during the first two years of our relationship with Sportradar and, given their expertise in the OTT and audiovisual fields, we’re convinced that will continue following the expansion of our partnership.
“Our mission is to give sports fans in Italy exactly the content they want, when they want, and Sportradar’s flexible, customisable solution ensures we can continue to deliver that.”
Sportitalia covers sports ranging from soccer and basketball through to futsal, handball and motorsport, with the broadcaster now able to offer specific sports news channels as well as channels dedicated to individual sports.
Sportradar’s OTT solution marries data and video to ensure broadcasters and other rightsholders benefit from an improved user experience as well as an increase in engagement and revenue opportunities. Clubs, leagues and federations that utilise Sportradar OTT, both currently and in the future, will also benefit from free-to-air exposure on Sportitalia.
Rainer Geier, Sportradar’s Managing Director, OTT, Digital Services and Advertising Solutions, added: “Having been in the OTT space for 15 years and counting, we know how crucial it is to constantly innovate and enhance our products and services.
“Our new and improved partnership with Sportitalia is a case in point, demonstrating how we want to keep offering our customers the best service on the market.
“Sportitalia’s continued faith and trust in our OTT platform is incredibly reassuring and reinforces our belief in the product we offer.”
