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Jakarta Post

2010 World Cup matches live on local TV channels

As Indonesia braces itself for 2010 World Cup fever, the broadcasting rights holder warns against the 'unethical' commercialization of the telecast at public viewing places

Musthofid (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Thu, December 3, 2009

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2010 World Cup matches live on local TV channels

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s Indonesia braces itself for 2010 World Cup fever, the broadcasting rights holder warns against the 'unethical' commercialization of the telecast at public viewing places.

All 64 World Cup matches will be aired live on RCTI and its sister channel Global TV.

"We are happy to announce that RCTI and Global TV are our licensed broadcasters of the World Cup in South Africa," Fary Fraghob, from Electronic City Entertainment, told a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. Electronic City is the authorized media rights licensee for the World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 11.

Fary would not reveal the value of the package, saying its confidentiality is part of the agreement with world soccer's governing body, FIFA.

In the past, RCTI had to fork out US$5 million for the rights to broadcast the 2002 World Cup.

Fary said the network had worked hard to secure the rights, beginning with a bid in 2007 and its approval in April 2008.

"We were not alone in the bidding. The bidders had to submit their proposals, which are called 'content utilization plans'.

"They *present* how the bidder will make the broadcast *of World Cup* as extensive and entertaining as possible," Fary said.

With a time difference of five hours, most matches will hit TV screens during prime time in Jakarta, including the opening ceremony and opening match, which will be simulcasted on RCTI and Global TV.

In the group stages, RCTI will air 29 matches and Global TV 18.

The next 12 matches - 8 in the knockout stage and 4 in quarterfinals - will be exclusively shown on RCTI while the semifinals and final will be on both stations.

"RCTI will air matches at 9 p.m and 1.30 p.m while Global TV *will air matches* at 6.30 p.m," Indra Yudhistira, RCTI Production Head, said.

While the rights holders are keen to promote extensive viewing of matches, they have warned against 'unethical' commercialization of the telecast, urging operators of public viewing places like cafes to abide by the rules when holding public viewings of the World Cup.

"We don't want to restrict people's right to watch matches. But it is not fair for the exclusive rights holders if *public operators* benefit from it commercially. There need to be rules so that we can have a win-win solution," said Fary, adding that they were planning a conference to talk with cafe owners.

Fary sidestepped a question about the possibility of legal action against those deviating from "the rules", by saying that FIFA took legal actions against broadcasters during the 2006 World Cup.

"The punishments ranged from light to lawsuits. However, we hope that we can avoid that from hapenning by discussing the issue," he said.

The live broadcast package will kick start with the pool draw ceremony for the 32 teams on Friday.

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