Row over MultiChoice 'monopoly' of UK soccer
Kenya's competition authority is investigating MultiChoice East Africa on allegations that the business has unfairly monopolised broadcasts of popular European football matches. The Kenyan pay-TV business, owned by South Africa's Naspers, which owns the DStv and Supersport brands, is the only pay-TV channel in the country showing matches from the English Premier League, which are hugely popular among Kenyan football fans.Supersport bought the rights to broadcast all 380 EPL games live across sub-Saharan Africa, though the Premier League has also awarded free-to-air rights for some matches to Kwese Sports, which is owned by Econet Wireless.A Competition Authority of Kenya source, who asked not to be identified, said an investigation was under way after complaints by local broadcasters."We are aware of the investigation and are co-operating with the CAK. We do not believe there are any transgressions on our part," said Meloy Horn, investor relations officer for Naspers.MultiChoice East Africa employs 1000 people in Kenya, the East African hub for the company's TV subscription business and its TV production facilities...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.