April 30 – The Walt Disney Company will shut down Fox Sports Asia this year, bringing to an end the existence of one of the continent’s longest-standing sports broadcasters.
Fox Networks Group subsidiary operates 18 pay-television channels in the Asia-Pacific region. They include five sports channels.
“As part of The Walt Disney Company’s global effort to pivot towards a direct-to-consumer-first model and further grow our streaming services, the company is consolidating its Media Networks business primarily in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong,” said a Disney statement.
“Effective 1 October 2021, Disney will operate a streamlined television portfolio that covers Chinese language channels (Star Chinese Channel; Star Chinese Movies) and Factual Entertainment (National Geographic Channel; Nat Geo WILD). These efforts will help us align our resources more efficiently and effectively to current and future business needs.”
The fate of TV sports rights in the Asia-Pacific region remains up in the air if Disney won’t carry sports after October 1. However, it is believed that Fox is negotiating a one-year rights deal for 2021 with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in several Asian territories.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734931488labto1734931488ofdlr1734931488owedi1734931488sni@o1734931488fni1734931488