U.K.'s Channel 4 Outlines Extensive Paralympic Games Coverage

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LONDON - The U.K.'s Channel 4 said Monday that it is gearing up for what it says is the most extensive coverage of the Paralympic Games ever broadcast in the U.K.

The network outlined its plans for the event that will take place here this summer following the Summer Olympics.

Channel 4 will broadcast more than 150 hours of the action during the 12 days of the London 2012 Paralympic Games on TV and online at Channel4.com. The company will also offer three streams of uninterrupted live coverage of a range of sports via the BSkyB platform, as well as at Channel4.com. Cable operator Virgin Media is also expected to carry these streams, it said.

Channel 4 news anchor Jon Snow will handle coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies, while half of the rest of the presenting and reporter team will consist of people with disabilities. That will include eight people discovered during a nationwide talent search.

In a new twist to sports coverage, Australian comedian Adam Hills will wrap up the Paralympic events of the day in a highlights show "with a difference," according to Channel 4.

The Paralympic Games run Aug. 29-Sept. 9. The Summer Olympics will take place July 27-Aug. 12.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai