FIH Sign Rightster in Broadcast Deal to Make Events More Accessible

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a deal with online video distribution and marketing network Rightster, price in a bid to make their content more accessible.

The deal will run until December 2014 and will see over 300 FIH matches streamed live through YouTube via multiple devices and across the Rightster network.

This will include the Hockey World League 2013/14, the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 and the Hockey Champions Trophies 2014.

In an exclusive interview with iSportconnect in April, FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said that finding a way to increase their exposure was the ‘million dollar question!’

“We have to do two things,” Fairweather said. “One, we have to improve the production of our sport on television. It is not an easy sport to produce.

“The second thing is we have to improve the presentation and packaging of our sport. We are looking at doing highlights packages and a lot more clips on YouTube.”

The deal with Rightster would seem to do this and after the conclusion of the new deal, Fairweather commented: “We want to make our events more accessible as we believe the more people that see high quality hockey matches then the more they will want to get involved with the sport as spectators, followers and players.

“With Rightster specialising in audience growth, we are confident they are the perfect partner to make this happen.”

Rightster chief executive Charlie Muirhead added: “Rightster is delighted and excited to be working with FIH to help them grow their digital distribution, audience and revenue.

“Through this partnership Rightster will provide the technical tools and audience development expertise to give FIH control and transparency over their digital distribution.

“These are two crucial factors for sports federations today as they manage the complexity of a media landscape crowded with digital opportunities and risks.”