Setanta Sports launches dedicated golf channel

Setanta Sports is to launch its dedicated golf channel – SETANTA GOLF – in partnership with the PGA Tour. From January 2007, the Setanta Golf channel will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Setanta Sports is a leading international pay-TV sports broadcaster operating ten channels in ten countries. Founded in 1992, it provides top sports leagues and events to more than 50 million digital homes worldwide and to 1,500 commercial venues.
Setanta Sports is available on satellite, cable and from early next year, on digital terrestrial TV, ensuring the widest possible distribution to sports fans.
Setanta Golf will be the first dedicated golf channel in the UK & Ireland to provide offering. Viewers can also expect regular guests to feature as part of the programming offering analysis and insight.
Timothy W. Finchem, commissioner of the PGA Tour said, “We are very excited at the prospect of working with Setanta Sports as a new broadcast partner, making it the home of the PGA Tour in the UK and Ireland. With a dedicated golf channel, it’s the perfect vehicle for our portfolio of PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour golf.”
Setanta Golf joins the rapidly growing range of Setanta Sports channels already available on satellite and cable TV in the UK and Ireland.
Trevor East, director of sport said, “We are delighted to have secured the exclusive broadcast rights in the UK and Ireland for the PGA Tour. This new partnership will play a major role in the growth and development of Setanta Sports and demonstrates clearly that we are building a tremendous offering for golf and sports fans.
“From January, 2007, the Setanta Sports Pack will include nine sports channels for just £15 per month. With our expanding rights portfolio, which will also include 46 Premiership matches next season, this represents fantastic value for money.”
In early 2007, Setanta Sports will also launch a version of its main channel, Setanta Sports 1, on digital terrestrial TV. This will include PGA Tour event coverage and means that Setanta Sports and PGA Tour golf will be available in 18 million homes, making it the UK and Ireland’s most widely distributed pay sports channel.
Setanta Sports http://gb.setanta.com