On Monday December 18, 2017, National Communications Network Inc. (NCN) acquired the rights to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2018 matches. An agreement was signed between NCN and DIRECTV Caribbean, making the state-owned entity the official broadcaster for FIFA World Cup 2018.
The agreement was signed by Chief Executive Officer of NCN, Lennox Cornette, and Director of DIRECTV Caribbean, Bernard Pantin, in NCN’s studios on Home Stretch Avenue, D’urban Park.
Cornette said, “We are of the view that it is necessary so that Guyana and Guyanese will not be left out in the cold while the world’s premier sport is going on.” The CEO also noted that there will be local content during this airing of the World Cup from June 14 to July 15, 2018.
“To anaylse and encourage discussion on the games, NCN will launch a Special Sports Show to be broadcast simultaneously on TV, Radio and online (Facebook). We therefore encourage advertisers and sponsors to come on board the World Cup Football 2018 train.”
Pantin said, “We have a long time to prepare to ensure that television viewers and radio listeners across Guyana will have access to the most extensive coverage of all 64 matches of the tournament which begins on June 14th.”
He added that DIRECTV will work to protect the rights of sub-licensees across the Caribbean, including NCN.
“We are encouraged by the improved regulatory climate in telecommunications in Guyana in the last couple of years and will be looking forward to the appropriate enforcement by the authorities to ensure that NCN makes the most of these rights.”
The signing was witnessed by Guyana Football Federation’s President Wayne Forde and the Chairman of the Board of NCN Enrico Woolford among others. (NCN Release)
