Thai media company PPTV, owned by tycoon Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, has secured a sub-license deal as the English Premier League’s free-to-air broadcaster, "although it remains unclear whether TrueVisions or CTH" will secure a sub-license from Qatar-based beIN Sports for live broadcasts of EPL matches for the next three seasons, according to Watchiranont Thongtep of THE NATION. Bangkok Media & Broadcasting President Kematat Paladesh said, "We are unable to disclose details about the total investment for this deal but we can say it is quite a large amount. We believe that this English soccer league is very valuable for PPTV as it can help us build a bigger audience base, particularly sport fans." He said that "winning the broadcasting rights was very satisfying and an important milestone for the station as it continues to edge forward in a very cluttered and competitive television market." It was the first time a free-TV broadcaster had "secured the EPL rights for three consecutive years." Under this sub-licensing contract with beIN Sports, PPTV "will telecast 26 live EPL matches a year plus hold the right to stream live programmes online and conduct related on-ground marketing activities" after the current deal for the '15-16 season with CTH comes to an end in July (THE NATION, 4/26).
