January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
What you need to know to watch the games
We spoke with ZBM's chief executive officer, Rick Richardson to find out what viewers can expect for the one month of the tournament. This is it in a nutshell.
Who has the exclusive local rights to World Cup broadcast?
ZBM has exclusive broadcast rights to both radio and television. That means terrestrial (free-to-air broadcast), cable and closed circuit.
What are they showing — live matches only or live and replays?
ZBM is showing all of the live matches on cable Channel 7. Unlike previous World Cups, ZBM will not be showing the replays.
In those cases the live matches were being played at difficult hours for Bermuda. This time they're being played at around mid-day to late afternoon Bermuda time.
Is anyone showing the replays?
WOW (World on Wireless) will be showing the replays through a FIFA World Cup channel on WOW's channel 102. ZBM assigned rights to others who are broadcasting through WOW.
When will the replays be shown?
The replays will start at 8pm and will run one after the other covering all matches from the day.
Where is ZBM getting its World Cup feed from?
BBC with a back up from ABC with whom ZBM's affiliated and who have the North America broadcasting rights.
Are other channels such as Fox and ESPN being blocked?
Yes. Cable TV will be blocking all coverage on other channels as part of an agreement with ZBM.
Is the blocking for the live matches only or replays as well?
Both, but it won't include connected programmes such as commentary shows. However, there are international restrictions on them.
Are any other sports being blocked (e.g. the India v West Indies Test)?
No. ZBM isn't carrying the Test Series because the rights fee is 'exorbitant' and the World Cup will 'eclipse' anything else.
Will ZBM be showing local World Cup commentary?
Yes. Nick Jones will host commentary programmes before and after each match, as well as half-time talk with local figures such as Kyle Lightbourne and Paul Scope, the national team coaches.
The pre-game half-hour chat for at least the first round matches will focus on analysis of previous matches, outstanding goals and the match ahead.
Additionally, there will be coverage of the opening ceremony ahead of today's first game between hosts Germany and Costa Rica. The broadcast begins at 12:30pm, the game at 1:00pm.
What are the expected local viewing figures?
Figures are unknown but UEFA results suggest that World Cup consumption will be huge. "The island stops for the tournament. We expect that for a month."[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.