As a media partner to the Munich bid, Turner Broadcasting System, which is part of the Time Warner Group, will actively endorse Munich 2018 and raise awareness for the bid on an international scale in the build-up to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote at its Session in Durban on July 6, 2011. 

The Munich based television group will promote the promise of a Festival of Friendship on multiple broadcasting channels, enabling Munich 2018 to engage with an enthusiastic target audience from a powerful and respected international platform, German officials claim.

Getty Images is the world's leading creator and distributor of still sports imagery and premium content and will give Munich 2018 access to over 70 million rights free images and 30,000 hours of footage that will greatly enhance the bid's vital international communications campaign that lies ahead.

Bernhard Schwank, the chief executive of Munich 2018, was delighted with signing of two such high-profile partners, who he hopes will give them the edge over rivals Annecy and Pyeongchang.

"These two deals are pivotal to Munich 2018's delivery of compelling messages to the Olympic family over the critical months ahead," he said.

"Turner Broadcasting System will allow us to share the excitement we have for a Festival of Friendship in 2018 on an international stage, and connect with an important audience."

The support from Turner Broadcasting System, one of the leading programme providers for television, internet and mobile communications, will give Munich 2018 the opportunity to reinvigorate its digital campaign in the crucial year of 2011.

International channels, TNT Film and TNT Serie, will show adverts promoting Munich 2018 from next month.

Hannes Heyelmann, Turner Broadcasting System's business director responsible for German speaking countries, said: 2It is always really special to have the opportunity to welcome the Olympic Games to your own country.

"We are delighted that our broadcasters TNT Serie and TNT Film are able to offer an attractive platform for strengthening support for the bid from Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Königsee.

"We are convinced that we can have a positive influence on the selection of the host city and hope to finally bring the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games back to Germany."



Getty already has one of the most extensive Olympic archive collections which includes iconic moments such as when chair of Munich 2018, Katarina Witt (pictured), secured her second gold medal in Olympic figure skating, having stunned the world with her Carmen-revue at Calgary 1988.

Or when Munich 2018 Bid Ambassador, Maria Riesch, completed the second run of the Olympic slalom race in Vancouver 2010 and dropped to the snow in a state of euphoria, having won her second Olympic gold medal.

Of the deal with Getty images, Schwank added: "Munich 2018 is delighted to be associated with a best class digital supplier such as Getty Images.

"Their understanding of the power of image to portray the magic and passion of sport will be vital to us in the months ahead. Getty will help bring alive the Festival of Friendship - Munich's 2018's uniquely compelling offer to the Olympic Movement."

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