Kwesé TV scores 2018 FIFA World Cup rights
Zambian football fans will hope the Chipolopolo Boys qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after Kwese TV announced that it has secured exclusive Free to Air broadcast rights of the tournament next year. Kwese TV will also broadcast the Fifa Confederations Cup 2017 to its already impressive sporting roster.
Kwesé will give Zambian viewers a front-row seat with live action from Russia as the exclusive free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). For football fans, this means Kwesé will broadcast the tournaments through its pan-African FTA channel Kwesé Free Sports (KFS), currently Africa’s largest FTA channel, which boasts a potential audience in excess of 100-million.
In addition to its exclusive FTA rights, Kwesé has also secured non-exclusive Pay-TV rights for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa). Kwesé’s broadcasting rights will include coverage on all Kwesé platforms, including TV online and mobile platforms.
“There is no doubt that the FIFA World Cup is a highlight for sports fans all over the globe and Africa is home to some of the game’s biggest fans. We had to have these major sporting events on our platforms. With exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament free-to-air, we are staying true to our intention to deliver the best sporting programming to as many people as possible across the continent,” said Joseph Hundah, President and Chief Executive Officer of Econet Media. “The exclusivity of our FTA rights for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 means Kwesé is the only platform in Zambia licensed to bring live action from these two iconic events free of charge. We will be reaching even larger numbers by bringing this content to people who would otherwise not be able to afford it on pay platforms. FIFA has decided to award media rights to Econet Media because we trust in their professionalism and capacity to provide a high-quality viewing experience through the Kwesé network.
“In Econet Media we believe to have found a reliable partner exploring new distribution paths, particularly on the digital side, working with Econet Media’s growing free-to-air network Kwesé Free Sports, as well as established broadcasters in the region, to give millions of fans an unforgettable experience of the 2017 and 2018 Fifa events,” said FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h.
Source: KPR Consulting
