Olympic committee, Tencent sign major media deal

The Chinese Olympic Committee and Internet giant Tencent Inc signed an eight-year partnership that will make the high-tech company the exclusive Internet outlet for Chinese delegations at major international sports events, on Wednesday.

According to the agreement, the COC will provide exclusive interviews of athletes, first-hand press releases and content to Tencent at 20 events, including the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics and two Asian Games in 2014 and 2019.

During the eight-year period, Tencent will also be authorized to market its brand by using the official symbol and image of the COC.

The partnership is the longest of its kind between a media organization and the COC.

"We should pay more attention to the impact of Internet media such as Tencent. Its social media platforms and sports and news channels have gained decent page views and the mobile news outlets have been the major platform for sports fans," said Xiao Min, vice-chairman of the COC.

Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Tencent has invested heavily in sports coverage. During the 2012 London Olympics, almost 70 percent of China's mobile phone users consistently visited Tencent's mobile Olympic channel for updates.