NewsWorld Series expands reach in China
Three new broadcast partners to cover 2009 Fall ClassicBy Jordan Bastian / MLB.com
10/15/09 1:40 PM ET
Major League Baseball is doing all it can to have the World Series live up to its name this year.On Thursday, MLB International announced that it has reached agreements with three additional broadcast partners in China. With five network agreements in place, total regional coverage of the 2009 Fall Classic could reach more than 250 million potential viewers across Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
MLBI has already established agreements with 50 television and radio partners to air the American League Championship Series and the World Series in 15 languages across 233 countries and territories around the globe. Nearly one million U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed around the world and aboard Naval ships will also be able to view games via the Armed Forces Network.
"The tremendous passion for baseball all across the globe is demonstrated by the interest in Major League Baseball games, especially the World Series," said Paul Archey, senior vice president of international business operations for Major League Baseball, in a press release.
"MLB is committed to baseball's continued development and exposure, and we are extremely excited about our extended reach in China, as well as our partnerships with broadcasters around the world."
MLBI reached new deals with Shenzen TV and Jiangsu TV, beginning with this year's World Series. The agreements will also include coverage of the 2010 All-Star Game, the 2010 World Series and episodes of "This Week in Baseball." MLBI already has deals in place with Shanghai Media Group and Guangdong TV -- the latter serving as the largest sports station in southern China.
Beyong MLBI's airing of the World Series, six foreign broadcasters -- Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico and Panama -- will be on hand for live commentary. FOX Sports en Español and ESPN International will also call the action live from both sites.
Veteran broadcasters Dave O'Brien, who is also the radio play-by-play voice for the Boston Red Sox, and Cy Young Award-winner Rick Sutcliffe will provide commentary for this year's ALCS and World Series for MLB International.
Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
