Japan: Discovery, PGA broadcast partnership with J:COM
November 8, 2018
Discovery, the PGA Tour and Jupiter Golf Network, a subsidiary of Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM), Japan’s largest operator of cable television and programme supply business, have announced a partnership will see live PGA Tour coverage featured on Golf Network, as well as the ambition to develop a broader digital ecosystem leveraging GOLFTV’s invigorated digital content to engage even more golf fans.
Starting in January 2019, the agreement will allow golf fans in Japan to enjoy extensive live action on the Golf Network linear channel and simulcast coverage via its Golf Network Plus App. Live coverage will include the PGA Tour’s biggest tournaments, such as The Players Championship, the FedExCup Playoffs and the Presidents Cup.
GOLFTV, the global live and on-demand video streaming service revealed last month by Discovery and the Tour, will also be available to fans from January 2019 and will include extensive live coverage of the PGA Tour.
Jupiter Golf Network is the first broadcast partner to be announced since the unveiling of the strategic alliance between Discovery and the PGA Tour in June 2018. As part of the 12-year alliance, Discovery is managing the PGA Tour’s international multi-platform rights, including linear TV rights, and already executing on a robust distribution and broadcast-partner strategy for the portfolio.
Alex Kaplan, President and General Manager, Discovery Golf, said: “We are delighted to expand Discovery’s long-term partnership with the J:COM group, deepening our relationship and securing a highly valued partner for the roll-out of our golf proposition. This is a real win for the passionate and growing community of golf fans in Japan, promising to deliver even more of the sport’s biggest moments all-year-round and made available however fans want to watch: TV, online or mobile. Building on world-class localized Japanese coverage on Golf Network and GOLFTV, together with Jupiter Golf Network we have ambitions to establish a more comprehensive digital partnership, best utilizing our platforms and content to further grow viewership and broaden engagement around golf throughout the country.”