Bonn, Germany – A study of 17 countries shows a cumulated TV audience of over 1.8 billion for the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games. Japan enjoying the largest cumulated audience (587 million), followed by France (335 million), Germany (310 million) and China (309 million). In relation to cumulated audiences, the largest market shares, however, were reached in New Zealand (26,4%), Switzerland (21,6%) and Austria (21,1%). Of the 19 countries, Brazil broadcast the most hours (168 hrs) with Spain in second
place (125 hrs). Programmes covering Athletics and Swimming drew the largest audiences.

Said IPC Media and Communication Director Miriam Wilkens: ‘An audience of 1.8 billion in 17 countries is more than we had in total for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. One has to keep in mind that the final study will include 38 countries, so we are confident that we will be able to see a clear augmentation of the cumulated TV audience. This development confirms that there has been a good growth in interest for the Paralympic Games.’

Although the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony coincided with the middle of the night in some parts of the world, around 10 million Chinese and 8 million Japanese enjoyed the event. Daily highlights programmes
attracted millions of viewers. German broadcaster ARD/ZDF reported that the highlights aired on Sunday 19 September, were watched by nearly 1.5 million persons. In Great Britain, the BBC attracted approximately 2 million viewers for their first Sunday Paralympic programme, whereas 634,000 persons watch the summary broadcast in Spain (LA 2) and 784,000 persons in Poland (TVP2). Italian television reported an average of 600,000 viewers for their daily broadcasts of Paralympic highlights.

A total of 3,100 media representatives including more than 50 broadcasters covered the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games from 17-28 September.

For further information, please contact Miriam Wilkens, IPC Media and Communication Director, on +49-228-2097-180, e-mail: Miriam.wilkens@paralympic.org or http://www.paralympic.org.