ITV is to air Extreme E as part of a new three year deal agreed with the motorsport.
ITV will broadcast live racing action, highlights shows and the championship’s 20-part magazine programme – Electric Odyssey.
The championship’s shows, to be produced by All3Media’s Extreme E Studios, a co-venture between Aurora Media Worldwide and North One, will create a variety of content covering all the aspects of the series.
The three year deal means ITV will show coverage of the inaugural Extreme E events this year, as well as becoming the exclusive UK terrestrial broadcaster of live coverage for the events in 2022 and 2023. In addition, fans will be able to watch live and catch up on demand on Extreme E through the ITV Hub.
Extreme E has a gender equal racing format and provides a focus on the environment through its aim to highlight the climate crisis and electrification through its line- up of drivers each racing an electric SUV.
ITV said the deal is in line with the broadcaster’s aim to create content in the most sustainable way possible. Back in August 2020, the channel announced its climate action plans focusing on bringing viewers the biggest shows with the smallest footprint. Targets for 2030 include becoming net carbon zero across its business, establishing a 100 per cent sustainable supply chain and to have zero waste. ITV is also the first broadcaster to commit to albert sustainable certification for all programmes produced and commissioned by end 2021.
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “Bringing ITV viewers the launch of an innovative motorsport that promises first class live action underpinned by an insight into the possibilities of sustainable technology is an exciting prospect.”
This new deal adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of events, which includes exclusive free-to-air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the FA Cup from next season, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.
Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “I’m thrilled Extreme E will air on ITV with its reach to the screens of millions of households. The UK has a massive appetite for motorsport, but Extreme E is about much more than that, and I’m delighted ITV shares our common goal of protecting the environment through its sustainable practices, particularly having certification from Albert – the authority on environmental sustainability for film and TV.
In addition to ITV, Extreme E will be available on over 40 global broadcasters such as FOX Sports, Eurosport and ESPN, covering regions including North America, Asia and Europe.
Extreme E is set for its inaugural race in AlUla, Saudi Arabia in 12 days’ time on 3 and 4 April 2021.
Jon Creamer
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