Emerging African broadcaster Econet Media announced the latest innovation within its Kwesé branded portfolio with the launch of its free-to- air channel Kwesé Free Sports.
“Leveraging Econet Media’s portfolio of exclusive premium sports rights, viewers can look forward to the very best in sports content from across the globe. Having previously announced exclusive rights deals across a number of premium sporting codes including the Premier League, the National Basketball Association (NBA), Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and most recently the National Football League (NFL) among others, the company will now be bringing to DTT and DTH viewers across Kenya and indeed the continent access to premium content for free,” statement in their website read.
The Kwesé Free Sports channel, which begins broadcasting on 11 August 2016 is available on any FTA set-top box (STB) or digital TV with a built-in set-top box. This is the latest development in the evolution of Econet Media’s Kwesé portfolio which continues to bring African viewers access to premium content in the most accessible way possible.
“The first major sporting event which will be aired on Kwesé Free Sports is the Premier League. Soccer fans across Kenya can look forward to watching the Everton vs Tottenham game live and for free on Saturday, 13 August at 17:00 Kenyan time. The channel has exclusive FTA rights to air one live ‘Game of the Week’ every Saturday, giving live access to Premier League matches to more Kenyans than ever before, for free,” part of the statement read.
Kwesé Free Sports recognises that viewers are increasingly looking for new and exciting content. With a focus on providing Kenyan viewers with a diversity of content in the FTA space which has traditionally focussed on general entertainment programming; viewers can look forward to the best in competitive sports and sports related entertainment content including Xtreme Outdoor Africa (100% proudly Kenyan), Ball N’Africa (Kenyan production) Sports Stars Uncovered, The Secret Lives of Sport, Football Stars, Sports Confidential, The Fast Lane and Sporting Greats on the channel. Visit Kwesé Free Sports for more programme information.
“We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone. Our goal is to bring African viewers the very best viewing experience and we are able to provide this for free in a way that is accessible for our viewers,” Ben Amadasun, CEO Kwesé Free Sports. Kwesé Free Sports will also showcase the best in local productions giving Kenyans a platform to share their stories on this truly African broadcast platform.
“Not only will we air local content but we will also commission the production of original work by local production companies, as part of our commitment to developing the local industry”, concludes Monicah Ndungu General Manager: Kwesé Free Sports, Kenya. The diversity of content will give local producers an exciting platform on which to develop fresh and dynamic content.