(ATR) The 2007 ISU Figure Skating World Championships are underway in Japan, while the president of the federation warns that the 2009 championships in Los Angeles could be in jeopardy unless “adequate” TV coverage can be provided.
During a press conference in Tokyo, ISU president Ottavio Cinquanta said that the 2009 Worlds could be moved unless a new U.S. TV contract was agreed upon. Twice he referred to Los Angeles’ hosting of the event as “provisional”.
“We are very concerned about whether there will be adequate TV coverage in the United States,” Cinquanta said. “Without TV coverage, we cannot assure our contractual obligations.''''
Currently, the ISU has a four-year deal with ESPN/ABC, which expires after the 2008 season. The host federation for the world championship is required to provide the signal to be used for worldwide broadcasters, which usually comes from the TV rights holder.
Should the ISU decide to move the world championships for that reason, it would not be a first. The event was moved in 2000 from Brisbane, Australia to Nice, France, because the Australian federation balked at the price of providing a host signal.
David Reith, CEO of the U.S. Figure Skating Association, says that he’s not worried.
"I am not concerned it is leaving Los Angeles," Raith said. "I was surprised he said that. I understand it is in negotiations with future television contracts. We support their efforts and we want them to succeed in that.
"Los Angeles is a great site for it, a great venue. From a sponsorship standpoint, Los Angeles is the place to be, says Raith.
Competition in the 2007 world championship started started Tuesday with the Ice Dancing and pairs short program events. Men’s competitions started on Wednesday, and the women’s programs start on Friday. A total of 194 skaters from 46 nations will be competing at the worlds.
All championship events are being held at the main arena of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gym. Practices are split between the Tokyo Gym and the Meiji-Jingu Ice Skate Rink. It is the fifth time in the championship’s history that Japan served as host.
The 2007 ISU World Championships continue through Sunday.
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