Setanta nets a web deal
28 April 09

Irish digital sports broadcaster, Setanta, is to offer internet streaming of its programmes. It has partnered with one of the main providers of live sports internet TV, Swarmcast, to deliver a new service offering online video of live and on-demand sports content.

The new Setanta-i is a service that will stream all of Setanta's main channels that are available in a particular region. This service allows the user to view the satellite channel's programming in full screen, offering the customer a chance to view both free and paid-for sports programming, including top English and Scottish league games.

With Setanta-i, viewers will be able to view this content anywhere in the world on a computer. The move comes as the Irish firm attempts to drive revenues and viewer numbers after recent setbacks. Private equity firm Doughty Hanson - which owns TV3 - is said to be close to agreeing a new funding deal with Setanta Sports which would see it pump a fresh £100m into the company.

Meanwhile, Setanta Sports' current schedule of football, GAA and rugby is delivering record audience growth for the channel.  In the key audience demographic of 15-34 year-old males, Setanta Ireland's share has grown from 2.7% in Q1 2008 to 4.7% in Jan-Mar'09.