RS to show 64 live matches on 2 channels: Pornpan
With less than a year to go before World Cup 2014 kicks off next June, RS' chief operating officer Pornpan Techarungchaikul, whose company had secured the broadcasting rights for all the 64 matches and who just returned from the World Broadcasters Meeting
Q: Can you tell us how good are the hosts’ preparations?
A: I think Brazil are less prepared than South Africa three years ago. South Africa had organised the World Cup quite well. People there could communicate in English while there aren’t many English speakers in Brazil. Being the host of such a big event, one needs to involve all the state organisations. It’s impossible to change the host now although there have been protests in Brazil. In the meeting, they briefed us about the security and what licensees can do or cannot.
Q: How will sport fans follow all the 64 matches?
A: RS will provide at least two channels, which would be called World Cup channel 1 and 2 to broadcast the tournament. The channels will televise live matches and special programmes, on RS’s Sunbox and PSI satellite TV set-top boxes. Twenty-two live matches and three minutes of expert commentary before kick-off will be aired on Channel 7.
Q: Are the viewers going to benefit from any new broadcasting technology this time?
A: The production will be in high definition [HD]. The signals will be sent in HD only. As of now, HD can be watched via PSI O2 Digital set-top boxes. But we are talking with TrueVisions and CTH to find out whether one of them is interested in becoming our partner by sub-licensing the rights in HD for cable system. They will get the live matches and all feeds. For those who watch via World Cup channels on Sunbox and Channel 7 the broadcast will be in standard definition. In addition, broadcast cameras will be increased from 32 to 37 and the audiences will get to see all angles. Another exciting feature is that for the first time goal-line technology will be implemented. In the meeting they reported that the system will be installed in all stadiums but Fifa will decide how to use it in the final World Broadcaster meeting in December.
Q: Which content will viewers be able to watch via the broadcast?
A: Apart from the 64 live matches, there will be live teams feed one hour before kick off. Fans will be able to closely follow movements of their beloved teams and players from the time they get on the buses until they arrive at the stadiums and the round-up of the teams. One month before the tournament a feature called, “Road to World Cup”, will be aired. It will show the preparation of the teams and the stadiums where the matches are played. All live matches and special programmes will be aired on World Cup channels on Sunbox and PSI set-top-box.
Half of the matches will kick-off at 11pm and 1.30am. The other half will be at 3am, 5am, and 7am. So, there will be reruns of matches that are played at 3am and 5am kick-off time. The broadcast will be in dual language.
Q: Are commercial advertisements allowed during the live matches?
A: Only during the half-time break in free TV, Sunbox, and PSI. But if either TrueVisions or CTH agrees to sub-license the rights, commercial ads of any type are not allowed. Because it won’t be fair to the subscribers, and sponsors will be confused.
Q: Will the blank screen problem come back to haunt the audience this time?
A: No. But those who are not our partners and want to use news footage need to ask for permission from us.
Q: What is the latest about the case RS filed against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication commission (NBTC) on the “must-have” rule, which regulated all 64 matches of the 2014 World Cup be televised on free TV channels?
A: RS, in April, filed a lawsuit in the Administrative Court against the NBTC asking the commission to amend the rule. It is unfair as a law or regulation cannot be retroactive. We acquired the rights from Fifa before the must-have regulation was put in place.
Q: Apart from the World Cup, what will football fans get from RS’s La Liga rights?
A: The new season of Spanish football started yesterday. More matches in HD will be aired on TrueVisions and PSI O2 Digital. The kick-off time of some matches are early and fans do not have to stay late. Twelve matches will be aired on channel 7.
Q: Is RS bidding for any sport rights?
A: The bidding for the broadcasting rights for World Cup 2018 and 2022 is going to start. But the competition and the bidding price are high. In fact, the broadcasting landscape has changed. What we are concerned is whether it [content] is worth it. It is not like we can take it at any price. Especially, when the “must-have” rule of the NBTC comes into force. We paid very little for the 2010 and 2014 World Cup.
I think content is still “king”, not the platform. Those who own platforms need to buy good and suitable content to put it on their platform.
