Sporza
Sporza is a multimedia brand of Belgian public-service radio and television network Vlaamse Radio- [en Televisieomroeporganisatie|VRT] specifically for coverage of sporting events. These broadcasts are organised by the Flemish government and mainly publicly financed.
History
Television network (2004)
Sporza originated as the third VRT network—in addition to VRT 1 and VRT Canvas/Ketnet—that only existed for 96 days from 31 May to 3 September 2004. The radio station of the same name on the medium wave and DAB that covered sporting events was the successor of 927 Live, and continued to exist after that period. Various major sporting events were covered on the program prior, including the Summer Olympic Games. To guarantee normal programming on VRT1 and Ketnet during the 2004 Summer Olympics, VRT started the temporary third channel.Another reason for establishing the Sporza television network was the protection of copyright. Belgian television pays for broadcasting rights to sport in Belgium, but not beyond. However, the sports competitions on VRT channels were also viewed widely in the Netherlands. To avoid additional costs and fines for this, Sporza was set up to only show in Belgium. The channel started in the second week of the 2004 French Open. In addition to sport programmes, the network also offered framework programs, including talk and quiz shows.