25 February 2025 - With less than 12 months until the start of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Media Rights-Holders (MRHs) convened from 19 to 21 February for the OBS World Broadcaster Meeting (WBM) in Milan.
This was the third occasion for the MRHs to come together to discuss plans with both OBS and Milano Cortina 2026, following the initial briefing in Milan two years ago and a second meeting in Cortina d’Ampezzo in March 2024. These events provide a crucial opportunity for face-to-face discussions, venue tours and presentations on the ongoing progress and operational plans for the broadcasting of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
OBS CEO Yiannis Exarchos opened the session alongside Milano Cortina 2026 and CONI President Giovanni Malagò and Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Andrea Varnier. They were joined by Italian athletes Arianna Fontana, a multiple Olympic champion in short track speed skating, and Andrea Macri, a member of the national Para ice hockey team.
Exarchos said: "We approach the Milano Cortina 2026 Games with confidence – not just in delivering a successful event, but in doing so with grand style."
Through innovation, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we will create something truly special
Yiannis Exarchos, OBS CEO
Fontana shared her insight on the power of sport and storytelling. The 11-time Olympic medallist said: "As athletes, our focus is on training, performing and competing. However, behind every athlete and every medal lies an amazing story of the athletes’ journey to the Olympic Games. These stories are unique and deserve to be shared with the world. Thanks to the efforts of all of you, we are able to share our stories."
Sneak peek at spectacular Milan venues
The three-day event was hosted by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) in collaboration with the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee at Fiera Milano Congressi, which will be the Main Media Centre (MMC) next winter. Broadcasters were introduced to what will be their operational headquarters, and familiarised themselves with the venue's facilities and infrastructure, paving the way for smooth broadcasts.
On site were more than 270 participants from across the world, including 161 MRH personnel representing a total of 35 organisations. Also present were representatives from the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba, while more than 100 MRH representatives who were unable to attend the event in person joined remotely.
On 19 February, participants embarked on a venue tour, which provided a behind-the-scenes view of the entire Milan cluster, including:
- Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena: Under construction and set to host ice hockey
- Milano Ice Skating Arena: Venue that will host figure skating and short track events
- Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena: Second ice hockey venue
- Milano Speed Skating Stadium: Speed skating venue
- Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium: Iconic football stadium that will host the Opening Ceremony
- International Broadcast Centre (IBC): The central hub of broadcast operations for both the host broadcaster, OBS, and the MRHs during the Games.
All but one of these venues are existing and are in regular use, underscoring organisers’ commitment to the reforms outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020.
MRHs assessed the facilities and were also able to engage with Mark Wallace, OBS’s Chief Content Officer, and Sotiris Salamouris, OBS’s Chief Technology Officer, to gain an understanding of the OBS production plan and innovations designed to enhance the coverage.
On 20 February, a full day of presentations covered a wide range of topics related to broadcast operations, services and innovations. Highlights of the session included:
- The integration of new broadcast technologies, in particular AI
- Technical strategies for seamless coverage across the various clusters
- Logistical aspects of broadcast operations
- Coordination efforts between OBS, Milano Cortina 2026 and local authorities to maximise coverage of the Games
Telling the stories of the world’s greatest winter athletes
The three-day event highlighted OBS’s commitment to providing innovative coverage and an enhanced viewing experience to ensure that athlete storytelling remains the driving force.
Reflecting on the WBM, Exarchos said: "We embrace innovation with a clear purpose: to tell the stories of the world's greatest athletes in more exciting, compelling and engaging ways.
Our goal is not to showcase technology for its own sake, but to use it as a tool to bring fans closer to the action, the emotions and the human moments that define the Olympic Games.
Yiannis Exarchos, OBS CEO
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, and the Paralympic Winter Games from 6 to 15 March 2026.
More information about the World Broadcaster Meeting can be found here: OBS.tv
