It is designed to expand the AST (Action Sports Tour), a global, youth-focused, multimedia, action sports business that includes the AST Dew Tour, the AST Winter Dew Tour and the amateur Free Flow Tour into a global brand.

 

In 2005, American broadcaster NBC Sports created and launched the Dew Tour, the first, season-long, nationally televised, competitive tour for the growing action sports of skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross.

 

BMX is due to make its Olympic debut in Beijing and Britain's Shanaze Reade (pictured) is the favourite to win the gold medal.

 

There were moves to include skateboarding in the 2012 Olympics but these were later dropped.

 

However, there is still a belief among the International Olympic Committee that newer sports that appeal to a younger audience will have to be added to the Games programme.

 

Dick Ebersol, the chairman of NBC Universal Sports & Olympics, said:  “When we created the AST, we knew that MTV could be a great fit as a strategic partner.

 

"The AST will see immediate benefits from this alliance and is now uniquely positioned for long-term growth.”

 

Wade Martin, the AST president and general manager, said: “This is a terrific partnership that blends truly complementary reach and expertise. 

 

"NBC Sports has demonstrated extraordinary vision from day one with the AST and coupled with the MTV and MTV2’s assets, the partnership will bolster the AST, and action sports as a whole, on so many levels."