Setanta Sports

Setanta Sports (/sɛˈtɑːntə/) is an international sports broadcaster based in Dublin, Ireland. Setanta Sports was formed in 1990 to facilitate the broadcasting of Irish sporting events. The channel operates individual channels in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Asia and Turkey

Ownership

In July 2009, the ownership structure of Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited (previously Setanta Sports Ireland Ltd) changed. Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited is co-owned by Gaiety Investments (60% share) with the remaining 40% share made up by Danu Partners Limited. The main shareholders in Danu are Michael O'Rourke, Leonard Ryan, and Mark O'Meara. Danu purchased 100% of the shares in Setanta Sports North America Limited which was disposed of in early 2010. Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited is licensed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

The Setanta business in Ireland has managed to survive despite the difficulties with Setanta GB. Colin Morgan, formerly CEO of Quinn Direct Insurance, joined the Setanta Ireland business in October 2010.

Sportsnet World

Sportsnet World is a Canadian English language Category B digital cable and satellite specialty channel that is owned by Rogers Media. Sportsnet World primarily airs top level association football (soccer), featuring exclusive coverage of the Barclays Premier League along with content from other leagues in Europe. In addition, it airs matches from such sports as Rugby Union, Rugby League, events from the Gaelic Athletic Association including Gaelic football, cricket events (including the Indian Premier League, ICC World Twenty20 and Cricket World Cup), and hurling.

History

The channel was launched as Setanta Sports, in partnership with Ireland-based Setanta Sports, on August 10, 2007 in time for the 2007–08 Premier League season, as a dedicated channel within Rogers' sports pay-per-view service Sportsnet PPV. Although operating under a pay-per-view licence, Setanta acted as a pay television service, with a 24-hour commercial-free schedule, rather than a pay-per-view service where customers are prompted to pay a price for each individual event.