Brasilian flag August 27 - Olympic broadcast rights in Brazil for the 2014 and 2016 Games were today awarded to three companies in a $210 million (£129 million) deal that is seen as a boost to Rio de Janeiro's bid to host the event.

TV Globo acquired the main rights across all platforms in partnership with Bandeirantes and Rede Record in what was described as a historic deal for Brazil, South America and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Jacques Rogge, the President of the IOC, said: "This is an important announcement, not only for the IOC but for the Olympic movement as a whole.

"Brazilians will be able to enjoy unparalleled coverage of the Olympic Games in 2014 and 2016.

"The agreement also represents an important increase in revenue for the Olympic Movement."

Rio is one of the main contenders to host the 2016 Olympics when the IOC makes its decision at its Session in Copenhagen on October 2.

Rio bid officials said the agreement covers $170 million (£104 million) in rights fees and at least $40 million (£25 million) in media promotional packages.

The total fee marks a big increase over the $60 million (£37 million) deal with Rede Record for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The South American rights, including for Brazil, for the 2006 and 2008 Olympics went for $29.75 million (£18 million).

Rio officials hailed the announcement as evidence of the strength of the Brazilian economy and advertising market.

Carlos Roberto Osorio, the chief executive of Rio 2016, said: "This was a very positive day for Rio indeed.

"During the economic downturn, Brazil was the only country that could put together a proposal this strong.

"It shows the economy is very stable."

The most lucrative broadcast rights are those awarded in the United States.

The IOC has postponed those negotiations until sometime after the 2016 vote due to the economic crisis and whether Chicago wins the Games ahead of Rio.

Carlos Nuzman, the President of Rio 2016, called the deal a "new benchmark'' for Olympic rights.

He said: "It demonstrates the strength of the Brazilian market today as well as our interest, passion and commitment to the Olympic Games.

"This historic deal is certainly a tremendous boost to the Rio 2016 bid."

Under the contract, TV Globo has rights to free television on a non-exclusive basis in partnership with Bandeirantes, along with exclusive pay TV, Internet and mobile phone rights. Rede Record acquired other non-exclusive free TV rights.