NOS Sport saves over one million euros

NOS Sport saved more than €1 million during the recent football World Cup by adjusting broadcast production and reselling rights.

Driving the news: Editor-in-chief Xander van der Wulp told newspaper AD that the public sports broadcaster achieved the savings by providing commentary for 75 percent of matches from studios in Hilversum and selling a highlights sub-licence to Talpa. The editorial team also operated overnight with minimal staffing and no presenter, with Van der Wulp expecting additional future partnerships with commercial networks.

The big picture: Van der Wulp stated that NOS Sport has reassessed its strategy after spending too long competing aggressively like a commercial network in sports rights auctions. He pointed to major cycling packages as an example where Eurosport acquired broader coverage, allowing NOS to focus on primary events that Dutch viewers want while preserving room for different sports.

What is next: NOS has regained national broadcasting rights for long-track speed skating and short track, while discussions over a new contract for Dutch Eredivisie football highlights are still taking place under a significantly reduced budget.

Source: 1