Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), alongside Radio Africa Group are in a scram against other Kenyan broadcasters, with media rights forming the rugby ball that is being fought over.
The Rugby Union has reiterated that rights to air content of domestic league and cup competitions belong exclusively to Radio Africa Group, in turn firing a stern warning to broadcasters in seeking to safeguard the terms of a deal arrived at in October.
KRU said that for the duration of five years, Radio Africa has a “worldwide and exclusive media rights license” which allows it to “produce and broadcast all matches of domestic rugby tournaments and leagues in Kenya.”
It is still not yet clear how this will affect the media landscape in as far as broadcasting of Kenyan rugby is concerned. KRU however seemed to be leaping to the defence of Radio Africa over what looks like an attempt to ensure media rights are not violated.
In a statement on December 17, KRU said Radio Africa is also licensed to produce news clips, highlights and interviews with rugby players up to 2023. The cover also includes interviews with participants, spectators and “other relevant people” at domestic rugby tournaments and leagues in Kenya, according to KRU.
KRU listed the extent of media rights that belong exclusively to Radio Africa.
“The exclusive media rights include broadcast media (radio and television), digital and non-digital rights, mobile rights, betting rights, in-flight and in-ship rights and relevant broadcast sponsorships,” KRU said.
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As per the statement, producing and broadcasting the rights on a live, deferred live and delayed recorded basis rests with Radio Africa.
“Please be advised that no other individual, entity, media or news outlet in kenya may record and/or distribute the tournament and leagues on radio, TV, digitally or any other format or medium in the period of this agreement,” said KRU.
The Union also said that enquiries on sub-licensing of these rights or broadcast sponsorships should be directed to Radio Africa.
In October, KRU and Radio Africa announced a five year partnership worth Ksh35 million annually that is set to increase by 10% per annum.
The deal is carried out through Radio Africa’s free to air TV channel, Bamba Sports.
At the time, Radio Africa said that Bamba Sports will air at least two matches per week for the next five years and that the company will also invest in advertising the games.
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