Singapore pay-television broadcaster StarHub has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Sports Council that will lead to its SuperSports Arena channel becoming free-to-air.
The MOU will see an overall increase in local sports content on StarHub’s broadcast platforms, with more national sports associations being featured in its programmes.
SuperSports Arena, StarHub’s in-house dedicated sports channel, will be available free of charge to almost all households in Singapore from tomorrow, including those without a StarHub set-top box.
Previously available only with a StarHub pay-television subscription, the channel will be fully decrypted, allowing any customer with an activated cable point to access the channel.
The re-launch of SuperSports Arena will also lead to the debut of a new daily sports news show called SuperSports 360.
The half-hour programme will be produced by the MP & Silva agency and will present the best local and international sports coverage, aimed at delivering the day’s most relevant sports updates and highlights important to Singaporean viewers.
StarHub and SSC will also work together to introduce new digital media initiatives, including the use of second screen technology for local sports events. This will allow sports fans to receive match analytics and view instant replays while watching a game.
Commenting on the MOU, Tan Tong Hai, chief executive of StarHub, said: “We have consistently supported the growth of sports in Singapore and see this MOU as a way to take our commitment to the next level. By combining SSC’s expertise with our broadcasting reach, this partnership will make all sports available to all Singaporeans and energise the local sporting landscape.”