The increasingly entwined relationship between the sporting and broadcast communities will form the heart of the inaugural Global Sport Forum in Athens. Protagonists and experts from both spheres will convene in the spiritual home of the Olympics to discuss the issues facing broadcasters and manufacturers as they attempt to cover the increasing proliferation of sporting events and activities. What exactly is the association between broadcasters and sport, and how is it evolving with the continuing technological developments and ever-greater amounts of money involved? Given the spiraling cost of broadcasting rights, will public service broadcasters be able to continue to compete with their commercial rivals? Or is the broadcasting industry going to be forced into a consolidation of consortiums and partnerships? Are broadcasters becoming too involved in the organisational procedures of the sports they are covering? Are events such as the World Cup and the Olympics being driven by television concerns rather than pure sporting considerations? Has the "for the game" ethos been undermined by television's demand for instant drama and viewer approval?This event will create an informal atmosphere where delegates will be able to openly and frankly discuss the issues facing those with a vested interest in sports and its broadcasting future.