MTV Studios has inked a deal with Gateway Broadcast Services (GBS) to bring the Barclays Premier League and Italian Serie A to TV screens across Africa. The deal will see top matches broadcast exclusively in 48 sub-Saharan African countries.
MTV Studios in Camden will be used to anchor live shows on GTV, GBS’ satellite-based pay-TV service. The deal will cover matches from both leagues including live games between the clubs at the top of the table, as well as European competition qualification. GTV premi_red with a launch show on 11th August and will include locally produced commentary.
The live shows will make use of MTV Studios’ recently purchased Pixel Power Clarity HD Broadcast Graphics system and six channel EVS, and feeds will be sent live to Arqiva for local ends connections.
Julian McIntyre, president of GBS said: “We know that African viewers are huge fans of European football, and GTV will provide them with greater access to live football, at an affordable price. The decision to work with MTV Studios for this project was based on the fact that they are flexible, accommodating and professional, and with their vast football experience they have the skills needed to make GTV a success.”
“MTV Studios is excited to be part of this project,” Jane Anderson, VP of MTV Studios commented. “We have long been involved in handling live Premier and Champions League as well as Serie A football shows for major broadcasters and we look forward to working with GBS to deliver European football to viewers in Africa.”
The initial contract between MTV Studios and GTV runs for the duration of the 2007/2008 football season with a view to extending next year.
