The Norwegian television channel NRK, referring to a report by the media analysis agency Nielsen, noted that thanks to the free broadcasting of ski races on “ The television audience of this sport in Russia has increased by 143%.
According to the source, one of the reasons for this growth in viewership is the “Bolshunov effect”. Last winter, cross-country audience figures worldwide were the lowest in five years, when 29% of the audience was Russian. Compared to the 2017/18 season, the total number of views has dropped by 20%.
NRK commentator Jan Petter Saltvedt said the consequences for cross-country skiing in the absence of Russian athletes are potentially catastrophic, but the sport is not considered the most important sport for the management of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
– The possible consequences of the participation of Russia and Belarus are so unclear that the FIS will never dare to take such a decision, says Saltvedt.
The first stage of the new season’s Cross-Country World Cup will take place from November 25 to 27 in the Finnish Ruka. The decision on the participation of Russian skiers in the competition will be made at the end of October.
Source : MatchTV
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