Channel 4 has been named as the broadacster for the 2012 Paralympics. Channel 4 will broadcast more than 150 hours of coverage of the event, with almost all of it being shown on its main channel which will include a flagship primetime show, and will also show coverage of Paralympic sports in the run up to the event which takes place shortly after the Olympic Games, which will be covered by the BBC. The BBC had previously shown the Paralympics, and had broadacst the event in some form since 1980.

Channel 4 said in its tender document that it would work with two production companies to cover the event - Sunset & Vine and IMG Media. It also said that it would totally rebrand with a Paralympics theme after the Games.

Chairman of London 2012 Sebastian Coe said: "The eyes of the world will be focused on the Paralympic Games - the world's second biggest multi-sport event - in London in 2012.

"We will deliver a spectacular sporting showcase for the world's greatest Paralympic athletes, and will use the power of Paralympic sport to raise awareness; challenge stereotypes; inspire understanding and communicate the Paralympic values of determination, courage, inspiration and equality.

"We are absolutely delighted to appoint Channel 4 as our broadcast partner in the UK. Channel 4 shares our vision for the Paralympic Games, has a very strong appeal to young people, and will play a hugely important role in increasing public engagement and involvement in Paralympic sport in this country.

"We are confident that the quality and depth of the broadcast coverage provided by Channel 4 not just for the 12 days of sport in 2012, but in the two and a half years leading up to the Games, will inspire disabled people of all ages to take up sport and be a catalyst for continued change in public attitudes towards disability."

Lord Burns, the Channel 4 chairman designate, said: "For Channel 4, the London Paralympic games will be the main event, not a sideshow to the Olympics; the games will define our year in 2012 and take over Channel 4 for their duration. The Paralympics will be one of the most significant sporting events to be staged in Britain for many years and we're confident the more comprehensive and more cross-platform coverage we are offering can connect the Games with the widest possible cross-section of British viewers."

Kevin Lygo, the Channel 4 director of television and content, added: "Channel 4 has done more than any other broadcaster to bring disability into the mainstream and we have a great track record of broadcast innovation with sports like Test cricket. We are genuinely thrilled to be given this opportunity to work with LOCOG to bring Paralympic sport into full public focus before, during and beyond the 2012 Games and to deliver a lasting legacy, including altering public attitudes to disability and disability sport."

Roger Mosey, the BBC's director of London 2012, expressed disappointment that the BBC, which ahd covered the event since 1980, did not get the contract. In his blog on bbc.co.uk, he said: "Naturally, we're disappointed that we won't be able to continue with our tradition of covering disability sport in the Paralympics - and we remain enormously proud of what we've achieved over the year. But we congratulate Channel 4 and I'm pleased that the argument about free-to-air coverage has been won: the Paralympics won't be behind a pay barrier, and they'll be available to anyone who wants to watch them within the UK.

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