Channel 4 has agreed to cover the next Summer and Winter Paralympics following its well received coverage from Rio.
A letter of intent signed with the International Paralympic Committee covers the 2018 Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang in South Korea, and the summer Games in Tokyo two years later, as well as the London 2017 Para Athletics Championships.
The letter sets out the principles of the deal, with a full agreement expected in coming weeks.
The channel fielded an unprecedented team of disabled talent on screen and behind the camera to cover Rio, including Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte.
Though viewing figures were down on the record numbers who tuned into the Paralympics in London, they saw a smaller dip than the Olympics coverage on the BBC.
Channel 4 chief executive David Abrahams said the channel’s commitment to the Paralympics reflected its public service remit.
“I’m incredibly proud that our coverage and marketing of the Games has both helped change public perceptions of people with impairments and encouraged broadcasters around the world to show Paralympic sport.
IPC president Sir Philip Craven said the channel had “set an international benchmark” for Paralmypics coverage.
He added: “Whether it is producing international award winning TV advertisements promoting Paralympic sport, recruiting on and off screen talent with an impairment or delivering Bafta award winning coverage, Channel 4 fully understands that its coverage is not only enthralling audiences but changing attitudes towards people with an impairment.”
“Channel 4 has built a reputation on innovating and bringing a new approach to Para sport coverage which many other broadcasters around the world are now following. By extending our long-term partnership for a further four years covering London 2017, PyeongChang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 we can work together to build on the great work and achievements of the last four years.”
