BBC opts to broadcast from virtual reality ski-lodge in Salford for its coverage of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
As part of its ongoing deal with Discovery, the BBC will screen two live feeds from Beijing, with over 300 hours of live coverage across all outlets promised. BBC One or BBC Two will provide the main feed. BBC Red Button/iPlayer provides the second feed.
The virtual-reality studio, based at Media City UK, will become BBC TV’s hub for all the big moments of the games. The opening ceremony is on 4th February, with the games running until 20th February. There is an eight hour time difference with Beijing, meaning most live coverage will be overnight and in the morning.
BBC Winter Olympics Live TV coverage
The broadcaster’s main coverage will start around midnight through to 6am on BBC One, presented by Ayo Akinwolere.
During Breakfast, coverage will switch to BBC Two with Jeanette Kwakye taking over presenting duties.
After 9am, BBC One takes over the baton for the remainder of the day’s live coverage with Hazel Irvine.
BBC Red Button will have one additional stream of coverage. This is also available via the BBC iPlayer.
Highlights and extended replays
At 3pm, BBC Two will show extended replays of the day’s action, presented by JJ Chalmers.
At 7pm, Clare Balding will present evening highlights show “Today at the Games” on BBC Two.
Extended highlights are then available on BBC Three with Aimee Fuller from 8pm.
There will also be daily extensive coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live with Andy Stevenson, Gigi Salmon and Rob Hatch.
BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast with Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards will also bring all of the overnight news from Beijing, with special guests from Team GB joining them throughout the show.
BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Live will host Aimee Fuller’s Olympic Mile Podcast where she will talk to some of the biggest names taking part in the Winter Games and some of the best UK medal prospects, delving into their training plans, diet, mindset and their Olympic goals.
Live coverage, on-demand clips and the latest news and results will be available on the BBC Sport and app.
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport said:
“We are delighted to bring audiences the very best action and medal moments from Beijing. Our expert line-up of international winter sport stars, combined with our round-the-clock coverage, will ensure that the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games take pride of place in an already mouth-watering sporting year.”
Once again, Discovery has the full rights to provide extensive coverage, with multi-feed options through Eurosport and Discovery+. Discovery is the primary rights holder across the UK and Europe for Beijing 2022.