SES to broadcast Setanta channels

Satellite operator SES has struck a deal to broadcast Setanta Sports two HD channels in the CIS countries and the Baltic States via its 31.5° East position.

SES will broadcast the channels to 13 countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – via the Astra 5B satellite.

Setanta Sports and Setanta Sports+ will broadcast a mix of high-profile sports content in the region, including La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, European and World Cup Qualifiers, FA Cup, Capital One Cup, NHL, UFC, Formula 1, French Top 14 Rugby and World Championship boxing.

“At Setanta Sports, we aim to bring TV viewers closer to the action on the ground through live broadcast of matches and races,” said Dwyer McCaughley, CEO at Setanta Sports Eurasia. “SES’s track record in delivering high-quality satellite television, coupled with Astra 5B’s extensive reach, is exactly what we need, and we look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with them.”

“Setanta’s ambition is to increase their worldwide viewership and bring exciting content to sports enthusiasts in this part of the world. We are pleased that they have chosen to work with SES,” said Norbert Hölzle, senior vice-president, commercial, Europe, at SES.