GTV launches with one month's free subscription
The hotly anticipated launch of GTV delivered a shot in the arm to Kenya's previously under-competitive pay-TV industry and revealed new dimensions to the GTV offering.
At the launch bash at the Go Down, Julian McIntyre, Managing Director of GTV delivered the news that not only will GTV carry 80% of Premiership matches but the new service is offering one month's free subscription to all who join the GTV revolution – enabling access to programming every day in July without paying a cent.
From 29 June 2007, viewers can access major international channels as well as GTV's own channels created especially to satisfy local tastes. Programming includes a diverse range of news, sports, movies, popular series, music, and religious content.
Expanding on the GTV offering, McIntyre added, "We're shaking things up, offering our own bespoke G channels alongside premium international programming not just to a few people but to literally thousands of people who have never before been able to access to pay-TV."
The announcement was applauded by ex-France and Chelsea FC player, Marcel Desailly, who jetted in specially to celebrate the launch with the GTV team. He commented: "I am honoured to be here in Kenya and especially to celebrate the fact that now more Kenyans than ever before will be able to enjoy all the nail biting action from top flight teams in the Premiership. Watching live sport inspires, motivates and uplifts young people and provides access to positive, healthy role models – in Africa the social power of expanding access to quality sport cannot be overestimated."
Desailly teamed up with MC John Sibi-Okumu to hype up enthusiasm and cash during the auction for exclusive Chelsea memorabilia including a football signed by all the current Chelsea football players, an autographed Didier Drogba team jersey, specially designed football boots for Michael Essien, and a football and jersey signed by Marcel Desailly – all donated in aid of GTV's charity partner Right to Play, the international humanitarian charity dedicated to improving children's lives through the power of sport and play. The event raised Ksh812,000 (US$12,250) for the charity to support their valuable work across Africa.
Nameless and Wyre lent their voices to the GTV revolution, entertaining the crowd as celebs, such as Prezzo, Big Pin, Gidi Gidi, Tichi Nyasani, Mr Lenny, Amani and Seanice mingled with VIPs like Paul Tergat, Eng John Waweru, Director General of the CCK, Nathaniel Kangethe - Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi, Trevor Omerod - Chief Operating Officer of CNBC Africa, and Isaiah Kiplagat - Chairman of the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association.
GTV paid packages
The GTV packages aim to offer something for everyone. G Base will be available for just $25 per month and viewers will be able to enjoy the best of: G-Prime; BBC World; Sky News; Al-Jazeera; MTV Base; Kiss; Nickelodeon; E!; Fashion TV; Star Plus; God Channel; G-Africa. G Prime offers the full bouquet of G Base, plus G-Sports 1; G-Sports 2 and Fox Sports Africa for only $35 per month.
Among GTV's own channels will be "G Prime", an entertainment and movie channel, and "G Sports", showing the best in live international and African sports including European football. And with a sincere commitment to offering local African content, GTV is keeping its customers at the heart of the action.
View the full gallery of the launch party here
