MUMBAI: -- WorldSpace, Inc., the satellite-based digital radio services has designs on all-sports satellite radio channel, Play.
WorldSpace has teamed with global content providers, including BBC World Service, TWI, and Radio Mid-Day - Go 92.5 FM. to deliver the sports channel Play.
Debuting on the WorldSpace satellite radio network on 5 December, Play will be the only channel to offer all sports, all the time with both a local perspective and a global reach for the entire subcontinent of India.
Play will feature comprehensive cricket coverage as well as coverage of sports like Formula One racing, tennis, rugby, football, hockey and golf.
Programming will include news, live call-in shows with Indian sports experts and sports information such as top-of-the hour reports, celebrity appearances and 'sports desk' programmes.
Radio Mid-Day station head Shariq Patel said, "We are pleased that WorldSpace recognized the importance of teaming with an Indian media company to realize its goals for Play."
"Radio Mid-Day is the ideal organization to deliver the local perspective on cricket and other sports like football, tennis and F1 racing to WorldSpace's growing subscriber base. Working together, WorldSpace and Radio Mid-Day can deliver what the sports news subscribers in India want, when they want it, " adds Patel.
WorldSpace vice president of global content Billy Sabatin said, "By incorporating the best available content from local and global providers, we are creating a truly new and compelling sports experience for our Indian subscribers. We are thrilled to be working with the BBC, TWI and Radio Mid-Day to make our sports vision a reality in our primary market."
Content providers were selected based on their collective ability to deliver the right mix of original and archival programming, sports personalities and on-the- ground network of production talent.
BBC World Service senior commissioning editor Neil Curry said, "BBC World Service is proud of its reputation as the leading international multimedia broadcaster benefiting from the world's most comprehensive newsgathering networks, with hundreds of specialist correspondents and journalists right across the world. With editorial independence and expertise at the heart of our coverage, we'll deliver the WorldSpace subscribers top- quality sports programming specially targeted to listeners in India, giving them the global perspective of sporting events."
TWI's head of Radio Carolyn Smyth said: "WorldSpace has created a stellar group of content providers for Play, and effectively leveraging TWI's long- standing relationships in the sports world will help to ensure its success. In addition to our extensive experience in maximizing radio sports rights, we are also pleased to offer our documentary and event programming expertise.We believe that subscribers in India will respond very positively to this new WorldSpace service."
