The Broadcasting Authority has announced its decision regarding the transmissions of 2006 FIFA World Cup matches. The Authority obliged Melita Cable plc to broadcast eight football matches of the World Cup, including the final game, final for third place, semi-finals, and the quarter-finals for free. It stated that the TV provider should enter into a deal with a local TV station to broadcast these matches for free.
The Authority expressed its concern regarding an agreement that Melita Cable is proposing with Smash Television. The BA explained that Smash TV might not reach a sufficient part of the public.
The decision taken is based upon a government notice, which stipulates that the provider should not transmit events that the Authority considers to be a main event. It also stipulates that the BA should prepare a list of these events, and should establish their type of coverage.
Meanwhile, Labour Member of the European Parliament, Joseph Muscat has raised Sport broadcasting dispute in the European Parliament. He stated that that the changeover in Malta is leading to the formation of new monopolies where customers are being asked to pay to watch popular sporting events that were until now available for free.
He also pointed out at the lack of interoperability between the systems of the two operators, thus resulting in a limited choice for consumers. He explained that Maltese and Gozitan consumers are being asked to pay private operators in order to watch National television stations that are currently available. At the same time, authorities are still expecting families to pay the same television licences.
See also:
Sports content broadcasting scenario being examined
By MaltaMedia News - Mar 4, 2006, 12:37 CET
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