The three commercial broadcasters – which are amongst the top-rated terrestrial networks in Japan and collectively reaches out to over 144 million households – have signed up to broadcast ‘live’ and delayed matches which will further strengthen Serie A’s reach and popularity in Japan.
Fuji Television Network acquired ‘live’ and delayed rights to several matches. Nippon Television Network, also secured ‘live’ and delayed rights to televise three matches involving AC Milan ahead of its visit to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup (formerly known as the FIFA Club World Championship) in December.
Tokyo Broadcasting System acquired news access and footage rights, and will broadcast Serie A as part of its weekly football programme, Super Soccer, along with their regular news and sports news programmes, which are broadcasted through its 28 stations.
The multi-party agreement complements the package offered by Pay-TV operator, SKY PerfecTV, who is broadcasting the majority of the matches. The move will help Serie A reach out beyond SKY PerfecTV’s 150,000 subscribers to its football offerings - “Football Set” and grow public interest in the league.
Serie A will also be available to Japanese consumers on the newly launched broadband TV service, Livesport.jp, which streams live coverage of Serie A matches online.
“The multi-party agreements with terrestrial broadcasters are an important part of our distribution strategy in Japan by ensuring that Serie A will continue to reach out to the masses and further strengthen its popularity in the country,” said Andrea Radrizzani, Chief Executive Officer, MP & Silva. “Ever since Hidetoshi Nakata played in Serie A, the Italian League has become one of the most popular football leagues in Japan. However, the Japanese market has matured in recent years with Japanese fans becoming more interested in the league itself, and not just because of the Japanese players.”
