Btv undaunted by high AFCON broadcasting costs

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday December 17, 2009 00:00

So far, reports indicate that Btv might need about P33 million to broadcast Africa's premier sports competition. But Btv general manager, Molefhe Sejoe has said once arrangements for broadcasts have been put in place, they will make an announcement.He stressed that their intention is to screen the matches regardless of the cost.

'Whatever the costs, our intention is to screen the matches. But we will inform you once a decision is made,' Sejoe said.

The asking price for broadcasting the tournament is said to be discouraging most African television stations. Orange has the exclusive rights to broadcast the flagship tournament.

Other broadcasters in Africa have reportedly backed off because of the asking price.Some have reportedly questioned why the rights holders would demand P33 million ($5million) for the AFCON, when screening the World Cup costs $75,000.

Orange was unveiled this year as the AFCON sponsor after signing an eight year-deal with Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In Europe, Eurosport remains the exclusive rights holder for AFCON. The television network, has broadcast all AFCON tournaments since 1994. The deal includes broadcast and multi-media rights for the 2010 and 2012 tournaments across all Eurosport's 59 countries in Europe, except France. Some African countries usually get feed from Europe's television channels at a cheaper rate.