BBC reveals digital Olympics plans

The BBC has unveiled plans for its digital coverage of the London Olympics, which will allow fans to watch events on the move - and in the office.

BBC1 and BBC3 will be the flagship Olympics channels, with BBC1 showing continuous coverage of the events except to switch to the news.

Audiences will also be able to watch "wherever and whenever they want" on PC, mobile, tablet and connected TVs.

Phil Fearnley, who is in charge of the BBC's digital coverage of the Olympics, joked that the Corporation's digital offering could be seen "at work" on a PC in the "first truly digital Olympics" or while sitting in a cafe.

He said viewers will be able to watch live HD video coverage, switch between 24 live streams and rewind live coverage on their desktop.

The BBC has lined up presenters including Gary Lineker, Sue Barker, Clare Balding, Chris Hollins, Gabby Logan, Matt Baker and Sian Williams to front more than 2,500 hours of live coverage.

Newsreader Mishal Husain, who is part of the presenting team, admitted that viewers might not yet feel ready for dedicated coverage of the Olympics on BBC1.

"It might feel that way right now because the torch hasn't arrived here yet but I think the momentum is going to build," she said.

"This is an incredible moment for our country and I think that the story of the Olympics is going to touch everyone.

"This will be a summer that we will always look back and remember. It will build and build."

She joked of the digital service: "It's not great for the employers but it's great for the people who are out. You can do it online wherever you are."

Roger Mosey, BBC director of London 2012, said the broadcaster would be "capturing every twist and turn of the Olympics story".

A 24-hour temporary digital radio station, Radio 5 Live Olympic Extra, will complement coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

PA