Will the PSL broadcast deal affect 2010 FIFA World Cup viewership?

These findings stem from a short interview conducted with 399 respondents, in response to the PSL (Premier Soccer League) having recently awarded broadcasting rights to SuperSport, worth more than R1 billion. Giving the pay channel exclusive TV rights to all PSL fixtures will mean that SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3 and e.tv will be prohibited from broadcasting any PSL soccer matches.

The deal, which will hold for the next five years, was recently announced by the PSL chairperson Irvin Khoza. Regardless of the fact that the case is still in arbitration, the PSL says that its decision to award the broadcast rights for all soccer matches to SuperSport, is definite. If the deal holds for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, only 22% of respondents say that they are willing to subscribe to the pay channel, which could leave the remaining, average South African soccer fan, unable to view the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches.

The latest 2010 barometer results reflect that overall public confidence in South Africa's readiness to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup stands at 76%.

The results contained in this press release, represent the views of 399 respondents interviewed in July this year. The full African Response Barometer is released on a quarterly basis. Previous reports can be found at www.africanresponse.co.za.

The 2010 Barometer is an African Response initiative which was established to track public perceptions on the progress of South Africa's preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. African Response believes that by tracking these beliefs, organisers and other stakeholders will be able to address the concerns of the public and ensure the support of the entire country in this massive project.