A core element of GTV’s multi-million dollar investment in world-class content, the deal marks a major shift for the Premier League. The service will increase households’ access to live matches through subscription packages priced within reach of a broader cross-section of consumers.
Julian McIntyre, President of Gateway Broadcast Services, the company behind GTV, says, “In preparation for launching GTV, we asked consumers what they want from their TVs. Overwhelmingly, English football was the answer and high subscription prices was the complaint. We listened and our service will give consumers Premier League football for less.”
The licence runs from August 2007 and covers around 80 per cent of all matches, including 10 live matches per week. All the top matches influencing the top of the table, relegation and European competition qualification are included. The licence covers 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
GTV will deliver the Premier League to consumers at a low cost with the aim of extending pay TV penetration in Africa. GTV’s successful license bid met the Premier League’s objective to promote accessibility to live games and ensure that media exposure is used to optimum effect.
GTV will launch in the middle of the year and well in time for the start of the Premier League season. The Premier League will be broadcast on a ‘G Sports’ channel dedicated to international football. Locally produced commentary and a broad channel bouquet of other entertainment will ensure the League is part of an attractive offer aimed at the whole family.
Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Barclay’s Premier League commented: “The Premier League's increasing popularity and profile in Africa has been phenomenal over recent years. This has been driven by the high tempo style of play and the fact some of Africa's biggest stars have made a huge impact on the English game.
”Our new partnership with GTV means that even more Premier League fans will get to follow their heroes and teams right across the season, which is great news for them and great news for the League too.”
