EPL media chief lays down

A high-ranking English Premier League [EPL] official touched down in Bangkok yesterday to give a presentation on broadcast rights for the EPL's 2013-2015 seasons to prospective bidders.

Paul Molnar, director of International Broadcasting and Media Operations at the Premier League visited TrueVisions, the current rights holder.

Molnar spoke of the relationship between the Premier League and TrueVisions, saying that TrueVisions had been an excellent partner for the Premier League, offering comprehensive coverage with 380 separate broadcasts in Thailand per season.

"We appreciate the exposure and distribution available on the TrueVisions platform and are confident that our fans will be offered excellent coverage of the Barclays Premier League again next season," he said.

TrueVisions' three-year rights to broadcast the EPL will expire next year. The auction for the licence will take place soon and many operators in Thailand have shown a keen interest. Companies who have emerged as rivals to TrueVisions in the upcoming bid include GMM Grammy, RS, InTouch (formerly Shin Corporation), as well as such foreign sport broadcasters as Sportfive and ESPN. The winner is expected to be announced by the end of September.