New television deals for the 2009 Isle of Man TT Races confirmed by North One TV – Major broadcasters sign up to take TT dedicated programmes The Isle of Man Government’s global television partner for the TT Races, North One Television, today announced agreements in the United States, Scandinavia, Spain, Finland and the Middle East. These follow deals for ITV in the UK, Network Ten in Australia, National broadcaster RAI in Italy and Sport Five in the Czech Republic. North One has also concluded a DVD and on line download agreement with Isle of Man-based Duke Marketing The US deal is with media giants Discovery Communications, via their high quality HD Theatre Channel, which will be re-launched next year as a motor themed channel called Velocity and will be available in nearly 60 million American homes. HD Theatre will air all nine one-hour international programmes produced by North One in a nine week summer run on Monday nights in prime time. Discovery Communications have agreed a five year deal to show the Isle of Man TT Races until 2013. North One CEO Neil Duncanson said: “We are delighted to have found a US partner of such quality and stature. The TT will be covered in high definition for the first time this year and this was a key attraction for them. It is an exciting development for the event, with high grade stand alone Isle of Man TT shows, and a wonderful showcase for the Island as a destination.” In the Middle East, a four-year deal with Abu Dhabi TV has been concluded and they will show all nine international shows on their free to air network available across the region in more than 55 million homes. In Europe deals have been agreed with Scandinavian satellite giants ViaSat, which will air all 9 shows in Sweden, Norway and Denmark; while Finland’s commercial network Channel 4 will also take the international programmes. An agreement with Spanish National broadcaster TVE is also signed and they will also be showing all nine international shows. ESPN Brazil will air the final highlights show. Duncanson added: “Given the current economic climate we have been very pleased with the results so far, but we’ve made a clear decision to put quality networks and quality airtime ahead of a quick buck. We are building for the future and the broadcasters we have on board and those who will be coming in the future all fit that template.” Hon Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government commented: “We believe that these new television deals will open up key international markets for the Isle of Man, generating a really high profile for the Island and delivering a boost to our economy as well as raising the profile of the TT and improving the commercial return on the event.”