FIS MEDIA INFO: Flachau rated as the ‘most media-friendly' Audi FIS Ski World Cup organizer

Sölden, 21.10.2010//- Flachau, the organizer of the ladies' night slalom on 12th January 2010, has won the first trophy for the ‘most media-friendly venue' of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup 2009/2010, awarded by FIS in close cooperation with the AIJS (Association Internationale des Journalistes de Ski). The representatives of the media provided their opinion and feedback on the services they received per site during the 2009/2010 the Audi FIS Ski World Cup season. Out of the 21 sites participating, the media representatives rated Flachau the best provider of media services overall.

Flachau was the only Organizing Committee to score an average of 2.0 or below (on a scale 1-6 where 1 was excellent) in each of the five areas surveyed. The five areas assessed were the set-up of the main press center, general media services, working conditions for TV/radio; working conditions for photo and working conditions for written press. Overall, Flachau headed best-in-class in almost half of topic areas surveyed.

Flachau beat its Austrian counterparts Schladming (men's slalom) and Haus im Ennstal (ladies' speed events) that completed the top 3, narrowly ahead of Zagreb (CRO) in 4th place. An average of 179 media representatives attended the Audi FIS Ski World Cup events during the 2009/2010 season. For the survey on average 35% provided their opinion on the services they received during their stay.

The purpose of the award for the ‘most media-friendly' World Cup Organizer is to acknowledge the hard work by the Organizing Committees in this area and to stimulate further development of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup series. It also reflects the fundamental contributions of the media to the promotion of ski sport and acknowledges the fact that the vast majority of people experience a FIS event through the media.

AIJS President Robert Seeger commented: "This award from FIS in cooperation with the AIJS helps highlight the many efforts the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Organizers invest in the partnership with the media for the promotion of ski racing. It is also testament to the willingness of FIS and the World Cup Organizers to take the media's feedback seriously."

Established in 1966, the Audi FIS Ski World Cup is the only global series featuring the world's best ski racers week after week from October to March. The Audi FIS Ski World Cup consists of approximately 70 annual events at 25-30 venues in some 12 countries and is broadcast to more than 40 countries worldwide.

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About FIS
Founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France, the International Ski Federation (FIS) aims to promote the sport of skiing and snowboarding and directs the development of all ski and snowboarding activities world-wide. FIS succeeded the International Ski Commission (CIS) that was established during the first International Ski Congress held on 18th February 1910 in Christiania (later Oslo), Norway. 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of international skiing and sees the sport embarking into its second century.

FIS administers the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. With the help of its 110 member nations (one currently suspended), it stages more than 6'000 ski and snowboard competitions annually. FIS also makes recommendations for recreational skiing and snowboarding in the interest of all and promotes play in the snow as a healthy leisure activity for children and the youth. For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.

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