Advanced Television

Sportitalia channels may close

April 8, 2013

From Branislav Pekic in Rome

The future of Sportitalia 1, Sportitalia 2 and Sportitalia 24 is uncertain following the start of bankruptcy proceedings at Interactive, the company that owns the concessions of the Italian thematic TV channels.

According to local press the company has changed name to Maroncelli 9 and transferred to EDB Media its assets and employees, however the latter has sufficient resources to continue operating only until June. The first to risk closure is the Sportitalia 24 channel.

At the same time, EDB Media is open to new potential buyers or partners. Although there are no ongoing negotiations, one of the possible names being mentioned is Al Jazeera.

The Sportitalia channels have the right to several minor football competitions in Italy, as well as for the Argentinean league and Euroleague. They broadcast in the clear on DTT in Italy as well as on DTH pay-TV platform Sky Italia.

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