19 May 2010

Football World Cup will be on free-to-air tv for many Pacific islands

10:23 am on 19 May 2010

For the first time in the Pacific region, the Football World Cup tournament is to be shown for free.

Mai TV in Fiji has brokered the deal through FIFA and Special Broadcasting Services Australia, with Television New Zealand the satellite partner.

14 countries in the Pacific have been granted rights and delivery for the tournament at no cost, with the countries able to view all 64 matches live.

The founder of Mai TV Richard Broadbridge says the station is fulfilling it's promise to FIFA that people will watch the games at no cost, as well as to better develop the game in island countries.

He says the fact people will be able to watch the tournament in their homes for free is still sinking in for some.

"I'm still getting emails from chief executives, even after they've signed the contract, asking me to clarify whether they have to pay anything. They simply can't believe that this event will be totally free in terms of satellite and in terms of rights. First of all the reaction out there is shell-shocked and the reaction from the people will be extremely pleased."

The founder of Fiji's Mai TV, Richard Broadbridge.