We can do without you – StarTimes to GBC

Chinese pay-TV firm StarTimes have called the bluff of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) who are reported to be unwilling to join forces with them regarding the live telecast of matches of the 2019/Ghana Premier League.

The relationship between the two media houses has deteriorated to an acrimonious status after StarTimes were awarded television rights of the GPL ahead of the state-owned media outlet.

Hurt by the GFA’s decision to go with StarTimes, senior officials of GBC are said to have resolved not to collaborate with StarTimes as they did in the past.

Since their arrival in the country, StarTimes have always outsourced part of the production of the Ghana Premier League to GBC but that is set to be a thing of the past as GBC has allegedly warned its staff against doing business with StarTimes.

At a press conference to officially announce their coverage of the Ghana Premier League on Friday, the Chief Operating Officer of StarTimes Ghana, Felix Ahonzo recognized GBC’s support but said that their telecast of the league will suffer no hitches if GTV do not change their reported stance.

He said that StarTimes have developed new strategies, equipment and personnel to effectively carry out their mandate to the people of Ghana.

“In any enterprise, there is growth. As you grow, we work out new strategies. We did start with GBC but that does not compel us to get stuck with GBC so we are going to move. With or without GBC, Startimes is going to bring you live matches from all the venues”, he said.

Speaking at the same event, the Head of Marketing at StarTimes, Akorfa Banson said they have invested heavily to develop the league to international standards.

She assured that their firm will add quality to this season’s coverage of the Ghana Premier League.

“StarTimes has invested heavily in the latest sports broadcast solutions or software in order to bring the quality of our productions as well as the image of the Ghana Premier League to international standards. This will include detailed statistics, comprehensive sports analysis, virtual advertising, augmented reality, 3D Graphics, Virtual Live Presenter,” Akofa Banson said.

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