A tie-up with a US TV production company could lead to live-streaming of the TT.

Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly has announced his department has entered into an agreement with the Pilgrim Media Group and new media company Digital Circus.

The 12-month agreement will allow the joint venture to explore and develop proposals for TV, film, e-sports gaming and streaming.

This could include the first-ever live broadcast of the TT Races in its 111-year history.

The venture has been brokered by Isle of Media, the on-island media inward investment agency chaired by Dr Richard Arning.

It will include setting up an Isle of Man-based operation, employing local workers on a full-time and freelance basis and contracting local suppliers to the film and media industry.

Mr Skelly said: ’This is an important development as not only does it offer great potential in growing the reach and commercial value of the TT Races but it also allows us to leverage one of the island’s assets to grow an industry sector on the Isle of Man.’

He said the Department for Enterprise will continue with all the existing rights contracts in place - including the production rights awarded to Greenlight TV and distribution rights to North One.

But he said the approach from Pilgrim Media and Digital Circus could lead to significant investment in the event and extend the TT’s global reach, without the use of public funds.

’Indeed any future projects that are successfully negotiated as a result of this agreement will provide further revenue streams to the department,’ he said.

Mr Skelly said initially US outfits would be looking at TV and documentary productions and filming could begin as early as next year when the Mountain Course celebrates its centenary.

He said that the technology existed it for live-streaming but developing this for the TT was still a couple of years away.

Craig Piligian, Emmy-winning producer and chief executive officer of Pilgrim Media Group, said: ’We’re extremely gratified to have forged such a historic deal that allows us to raise the profiles of the iconic TT and the Isle of Man - and of the riders whose fearlessness and individuality have built a competition like no other.

’With the proliferation of entertainment and sports platforms, we believe this will be the global moment for the TT.’

The founder and chief executive officer of new media company Digital Circus is Clark Bunting, who is a former president and general manager of the Discovery Channel.

Pilgrim Media Group produces Fast N’ Loud and American Chopper while Digital Circus is behind HBO documentary The Cold Blue and Nat Geo’s Yellowstone Live.