TVM will broadcast 46 live World Cup matches with Maltese commentary, including the final, semi-finals and quarter-finals.
Melita plc has won a competitive bid issued by Public Broadcasting Services Ltd for television rights to broadcast all 64 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in both standard definition and high definition (HD) with English commentary. Melita is currently negotiating an Italian commentary for matches played by the Italian national team.
This milestone agreement between PBS and Melita marks a number of firsts. It is the first time that Maltese football fans can watch all 2010 FIFA World Cup matches in high definition on a dedicated Melita Sports channel. For the duration of the World Cup, this channel will be branded as TVM HD
Moreover, it is also the first time that Malta’s national TV station will be broadcasting 46 World Cup matches, making it one of few national stations in Europe to carry such an extensive coverage free of charge. In fact, TVM will broadcast more than double the number of matches expected to be broadcast by the Italian national broadcaster RAI.
This arrangement was made possible after the PBS chairman and CEO engaged in negotiations with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to obtain television rights at reduced prices for small territories like Malta.
“We are very happy to sign this agreement with PBS and we thank the PBS chairman, Board of Directors and CEO for their hard work to make this possible. For the first time ever, Melita is bringing high-definition television to all homes in Malta and Gozo. Watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup in high definition is very likely to be a dream come true for all football fans across the Maltese Islands. Our high definition content will not be limited to football content only. We are extending our television line-up to 150 channels including high-definition channels such as Discovery Channel HD, National Geographic HD, sports content in HD and lots of other highly appealing HD content,” said Melita CEO Andrei Torriani.
High definition channels will be available on Melita from June, ahead of the World Cup transmissions. Both TVM and Melita will broadcast a number of special programmes delving deeper into the World Cup action. PBS is also providing special training for its sports commentators under the guidance of professional Italian sports commentators.
“This is the first time that Maltese sports fans will be fully serviced and spoilt for choice in watching World Cup matches. It is up to each individual to choose from a selection of Maltese, English or Italian commentary on TVM, Melita or RAI respectively. Our agreement with Melita has also made it possible for Maltese viewers to watch the World Cup in HD and with English commentary,” said PBS chairman Claire Thake Vassallo.
HD television offers sharper picture detail and superior sound. Melita’s high definition TV content will range from the biggest sporting events, such as the UEFA Champions League and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to lifestyle, wildlife, biographies and documentary channels such as Discovery Channel HD, National Geographic HD and many other highly appealing HD content.
Testing of Melita’s high definition platform started in 2007 and was concluded successfully some months later. Melita is also introducing new advanced set top boxes, which provide a number of exclusive features such as interactive services including stopping, rewinding and recording live television, hard disk space, inputs for external devices and a new electronic programming guide, as well as an enhanced usability and navigational experience for users.