Octagon CSI and BT expand strategic broadcast alliance
 
Complementary capabilities will enable alliance to better address the needs of rights holders, content providers and sports fans across multiple platforms.

Octagon CSI, a leading producer and distributor of televised sports and entertainment, and BT, one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, today announced an expanded strategic alliance to produce and distribute content for TV, mobile, internet and broadband.  As part of the agreement, Octagon CSI and BT will build a state-of-the-art production facility at the BT Tower in London.   

The alliance will enable both companies to maximise the potential of their traditional businesses and deliver content through innovative media products whilst at the same time capitalising on synergies in other parts of the business.  Octagon CSI produces over 300 hours of innovative, original programming annually and more than 200 live events equating to over 4,000 hours of programming, all distributed worldwide via satellite. 

Octagon CSI produces global programming for The English Football Association, including live transmitted FA Cup matches and England internationals to TV broadcasters, mobile and internet customers. It also produces and distributes live matches for the Coca-Cola Football League and Carling Cup as well as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Chris Guinness, President of Octagon CSI, said: “The agreement combines the production expertise of Octagon CSI and BT’s communications and content processing capabilities and will enable us to meet increasing demand for high-definition television content and high quality, digital programming, delivered over broadband channels and mobile devices.

“For rights-holders, the Octagon CSI/BT alliance represents an opportunity to substantially broaden delivery of content through mobile platforms which are maintained by best-in-class telecommunications companies literally anywhere in the world.  We have a number of projects in production and are looking forward to working on new ventures alongside BT.”

Barry Bonnett, CEO of BT Media and Broadcast, said:  “This agreement represents another exciting step toward BT Media and Broadcast's goal of being at the heart of the digital media economy.  BT Media and Broadcast has long been pivotal to the capture and transmission of sport and this extension of our capability will enable us to fulfil consumers desire to enjoy entertainment wherever they are and on whatever device they choose.  The alliance will add real value to rights owners and ensures that they can truly maximise their distribution options”.

Rick Dudley, President and CEO of Octagon Worldwide, said: “The alliance between Octagon and BT further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening, expanding and enhancing the range of services we provide to our clients across all of our businesses.

“With the emergence and growing popularity of new broadband and wireless distribution channels, communicating with consumers is becoming a more complex challenge. Marketers need access to leading-edge thinking and advanced technological capabilities if they want to fully engage consumers. Octagon’s new arrangement with BT will enable us to deliver on our promise to deliver cutting-edge communications and content processing capabilities whilst also influencing the future development of the industry .”

About Octagon
Octagon CSI is a world-leader in the negotiation, production, packaging and marketing of international sports for television.  For over 20 years, Octagon CSI has provided televised sports to the world and distributes over 4000 hours of quality sports programming a year, including 200 live events, to broadcasters in more than 200 countries.  Octagon CSI is an operational division of Octagon Worldwide. 

Octagon is the world’s leader in sports and entertainment marketing with global expertise in consulting, athletes & personalities, event management, property representation, marketing solutions, licensing and merchandising, talent procurement and television rights and production. As part of The Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world’s leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services, Octagon employs more than 1,000 people in 60 offices around the world. For further information please visit: www.octagon.com.