Monday, July 5, 2010

BTV / MultiChoice Botswana Cooperate on World Cup Broadcast

source: Republic of Botswana (13/6/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 7 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"

C3) 10/6/10: BTV / MultiChoice Botswana Cooperate on World Cup Broadcast

Following a week of intense high level discussions between the management of the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) and representatives of MultiChoice Africa, over the distribution of the BTV signal in Botswana during the 2010 FIFA World Cup games, the two organizations have agreed a partnership deal as follow:

1. Having regard to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Broadcast Rights granted to BTV for terrestrial free-to-air for Botswana only; and

2. Understanding that DBS is obliged to encrypt (restrict) its signal on satellite during each of the World Cup matches in fulfilment of the requirements by FIFA, and

3. Confirming that DBS is committed to bringing the world cup matches to as many Batswana as can access the BTV/Radio Botswana signal in Botswana, and

4. Considering that DBS is mindful of the blind spots falling outside the reach of the BTV/ Radio Botswana terrestrial network; and

5. Understanding that MultiChoice Africa is desirous of a partnership agreement with Botswana Television with respect to the carriage and distribution of the BTV signal as may be agreed;

6. MultiChoice Africa & DBS have agreed that the BTV signal shall be carried encrypted as part of the DSTV bouquet for the duration of the FIFA 2010 World Cup. The signal shall however be restricted to viewers in Botswana only as required by FIFA.

7. MultiChoice Africa shall make the BTV channel available to its subscribers in Botswana and any other person with a registered DSTV decoder and smart card in Botswana.

8. This is an interim agreement only, and a long term arrangement will be negotiated between the two parties as soon as possible with a view to establishing a longer partnership.

9. The parties are now finalizing the implementing of this agreement; however, it is possible that there may be some unforeseen technical delays in providing the BTV signal on DStv. BTV assures viewers in Botswana that all the World Cup games will be broadcast on the BTV terrestrial service. Additionally the BTV signal will be available in Botswana through DStv decoders.

The agreement signed by Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, Director - DBS and Billy Sekgororoane for/MultiChoice Africa.

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