Pacific Games Office defends host broadcaster contract

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 24 April 2019, 12:00AM

The Samoa Pacific Games Office has strongly defended the awarding of the contract for Host Broadcaster and IBC Service Provider to the Melanesian Media Group (MMG). 

“The MMG proposal was found to be the most technically compliant and competitive bid, and were awarded the contract for Host Broadcast and IBC Service Provider,” says the press statement in response to criticism by the local media. 

According to the S.P.G. in March, they undertook a preferred supplier procurement process to secure a qualified Host Broadcaster and IBC Service Provider. 

Two overseas-based companies with previous Games experience, and one locally-based broadcaster, were approached to provide bids. The Samoa Broadcasting Corporation or TV1 was among the only local company that tendered a bid. 

TV1’s Chief Executive Officer, Galumalemana Faieesea Matafeo expressed disappointment that the local media was not given preference. 

“The main reason we were eager to get the rights to broadcast was to get all the local TV stations involved and give the opportunity to our people, to get the exposure and the experience from covering the SPG.

“In our proposal, we included TV3, Upu Mana TV and EFKS TV and our plan was bring all of our staff train and upskill them to cover the games. This way we don’t have to seek overseas broadcasters to do the work, we have the resources in the country to do it. 

“At the same time retain benefits in the country. I was thinking more of the whole TV industry in the country,” explained Galumalemana. 

Based in Singapore, MMG's Managing Director, Richard Broadbridge says invitation to local production firms who want to participate to contact them. 

“Local broadcasters are a critical part of this project and we are already in talks with the major players in Samoa.” 

Furthermore Mr Broadbridge says the MMG are providing production services by way of partner broadcasters in Samoa and participating countries. 

“We are also marketing TV rights and managing the TV distribution of the games on TV and online,” added Mr Broadbridge. 

He pointed out their company has experience with South Pacific Games Fiji 2003, SPG Samoa 2007, Pacific Games New Caledonia and in Papua New Guinea in 2015. 

“We have also provided production and distribution services to three Festivals of Pacific Arts.” 

According to the SPG press statement, their priority is to provide a high-quality broadcast, within budget, for the Games to ensure Samoa is presented well, sponsors and partners are duly represented, and the athletic feats of Pacific athletes currently preparing for the Games are celebrated. 

“Under the Pacific Games Charter it outlines all obligations and regulations that a host country must adhere to. Regulation 13 sets out the Minimum Broadcast Standards and Guidelines where 1.3. states that “coverage of the events in the Basic Feed must be at least as good in overall technical quality as that provided at previous Pacific Games and shall be produced to an international standard in accordance with the then applicable international broadcasting standards for events equivalent to the Games.”

“The MMG’s previous experience includes Production and technical experience for the 2007 South Pacific Games, 2011 and 2015 Pacific Games, and production and distribution services for three Festivals of Pacific Arts. MMG’s proposal also provided a commercial revenue strategy, backed by previous experience that provided a competitive edge. 

The opportunity to build local capability has been considered throughout the Broadcasting project with opportunities made available to local broadcasters and production companies to bid for Broadcast related contracts, participate in consultation processes, and be involved in the Host Broadcasting together with the Games Host Broadcaster, MMG,” says the SPG statement. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 24 April 2019, 12:00AM
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