It is hoped that major skating events will be showcased on the Olympic Channel ©Getty Images

Skating could soon be broadcast on the Olympic Channel after the sport's world governing body belatedly agreed to seek the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the new platform.

The International Skating Union (ISU) was one of just eight Olympic Federations not to sign such an agreement with Olympic Channel Services in May this year.

This prompted some concerns within the skating community, particularly due to the grave need to improve promotion of events in the sport and to make it more accessible to a younger audience.

But ISU director general Fredi Schmid insisted during the body's Congress in Dubrovnik in June that the failure to reach a deal was more due to logistical factors than any serious opposition to the project.

Their interest has now been confirmed following a Council meeting chaired by the organisation's new Dutch President Jan Dijkema.

Signing an MoU should "allow the promotion of ice skating through this Channel", a statement proclaimed. 

It added: "For the exposure of ISU events on the Olympic Channel, the exposure will remain within the limits of the exclusivity provisions of the ISU commercial agreements."

The Olympic Channel was officially launched late last month after the Closing Ceremony of Rio 2016 ©ITG
The Olympic Channel was officially launched late last month after the Closing Ceremony of Rio 2016 ©ITG
Dijkema, who has replaced Italy's longstanding President Ottavia Cinquanta, prioritised marketing - along with development and good governance - as his foremost aims for his two-year term in office.

The Olympic Channel was officially launched following the Closing Ceremony of Rio 2016 last month.

It pledges to allow fans to "experience the power of sport and the Olympic Movement all year round".

A total of 35 live events across a variety of sports are being shown this year in partnership with International Federations.

Other bodies yet to confirm to signing an agreement with the Channel are the International Association of Athletics Federations, the International Cycling Union, FIFA, the International Handball Federation, the International Volleyball Federation, the International Biathlon Union and the International Luge Federation.