Sports content and news events drives uptake on SES

Satellite operator SES has revealed live sports and news events in the last year have driven upstake on its dedicated sports and events platform Astra 1 Sports.

The company said Astra 1 Sports which operates across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, was used for more than 1,500 events. 

SES distributed thousands of hours of sports, major events and breaking news content on ASTRA 1 Sports, including FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, the World Judo Championships, the World Padel Tour, FIA World Rallycross events and Operation Lion in the UK.

Laura Arnaiz, head of booking department at Telefonica Broadcast Services and SES customer said, “As the viewership and interest in sports and events continues to grow globally, we are delighted to have a partner like SES, capable to deliver our most important events like the World Padel Tour, Valencia Marathon and beyond, with their satellite distribution platform. This way, we know that our premium content not only reliably reaches our fans across EMEA in the highest quality possible, but we are also able to grow and attract new audiences.”

“Live sports and events continue to be the most valuable assets for broadcasters and the leagues and rights holders they partner with in terms of building and engaging global audiences,” said Michele Gosetti, head of sales, sports & events at SES. “The momentum with our satellite distribution platform in its first year underscores the increasing demand for reliable content delivery in the industry, and we anticipate for it to grow even more.”

SES broadcasts over 700 hours of premium sports each day and works with more than 500 sports and events customers. Its wide portfolio of sports ranges men’s and women’s professional football, American football, tennis, golf and cricket to cycling. These include on-going games and matches for high-profile leagues such as the NFL, Premier League and Women’s Serie A to sports with specialised interest, such as motor sports.