The Hindu Business Line : ESPN Star hopes to strike it rich with FIFA World Cup

Sports broadcaster ESPN Star Sports is trying to cash in on football fever. With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off in Germany in June, the network will undertake various production and marketing initiatives to capitalise on the popularity of the sport in India.

Mr R. C. Venkateish, Managing Director, ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd, said: "The FIFA World Cup is one of the most watched sporting spectacles across the globe with the last edition having a cumulative audience base of 28.8 billion worldwide. ESPN Star Sports will unveil a comprehensive programming around it to give the Indian viewers an experience of a lifetime to build their interest in the FIFA World Cup by creating an appeal."

Besides roping in a panel of commentators, the broadcaster will also bring in a special Hindi feed for traditional markets in India during the World Cup. Mr Venkateish hoped that this edition of the FIFA World Cup will break viewership records in India. A total 75 million Indians sampled the telecast of World Cup 2002, with a cumulative audience reach of 804 million in India.

As part of the pre-event hype, the channel will create extensive on air FIFA programming. It will also have special programmes and promotions to generate viewer interest.

More Stories on : Outlook | Sports | Radio/TV

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
CavinKare to ramp up overseas presence

O&M is `agency of the year'

The Packer legacy and cricket marketing

Higher participation at Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week: FDCI

Solutions Integrated sees 40 pc growth this year

Limca unveils summer campaign

Trent to open stores in DLF malls

ESPN Star hopes to strike it rich with FIFA World Cup

Hyundai, Ford sales rise

Honda car sales up 19 pc

Forbes lists India above China in Capital Hospitality Index

New range of appliances from Whirlpool

Dr Reddy's unveils Z&D

New security tool from Trend Micro