The annual FIS television conference took place virtually this year, including more than 40 experts and programme planners from international TV stations, rights holders Infront and the European Broadcasting Union, National Ski Association representatives and FIS competition management and marketing personnel. 

Two afternoons of online meetings took place to prepare, plan and share input on the starting times for the upcoming season.

Broadcasting schedules were aligned and resolutions for overlapping competitions were found. 

Pending questions are set to be followed up in the coming weeks, while all decisions made during the meetings are still subject to the approval of the World Cup calendars by the FIS Committee and Council at the end of the month. 

A separate meeting for TV experts was held for the Nordic disciplines. 

FIS cross-country event coordinator Sandra Spitz led the meeting, which was attended by 30 TV directors and experts from national broadcasters, Infront and rights-holders, and representatives from the three Nordic disciplines. 

The group analysed the 2019-2020 season, with reports from the different FIS teams, FIS marketing and Infront, and discussed the potential impact of coronavirus on the upcoming winter season. 

Different calendar scenarios and timelines were looked at and possible restrictions and protection measures for the broadcast production crews considered.

The Infront team also reported on preparations for the broadcast of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf next year.

Sports timekeeping specialist Swiss Timing concluded the meeting by presenting its new TV graphics.