iKO Media Group leverages Eutelsat satellite capacity to launch eCLUTCH, an innovative new eSports package, bringing new gaming content to wider audiences
iKO Media Group leverages Eutelsat satellite capacity to launch eCLUTCH, an innovative new eSports package, bringing new gaming content to wider audiences
Paris, Pfaffikon, 11 March 2024 – Media service partner, iKO Media Group is furthering its relationship with Eutelsat Group (Euronext Paris, London Stock Exchange: ETL), to bring an innovative new eSports TV package, eCLUTCH, to screens across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Launching at Eutelsat’s 16° East orbital position, HOTBIRD at 13° East and 7/8° West, the platform initially includes 10 eSports and gaming channels, with more to join in the near future.
The eSports market is expected to exceed 856 million users worldwide by 2028, and millions of viewers tune in to watch the experts play their favourite games. Traditionally distributed via streaming platforms and social media, iKO Media Group is expanding the reach of this new content to hard-to-reach areas beyond terrestrial networks via satellite, in a new hybrid distribution approach for eSports.
Source : Statista Market Insights
By incorporating satellite broadcasting in its distribution strategy, iKO Media Group is amplifying the channels’ reach to the millions of homes available via satellite, enabling broadcasters and TV platforms to target new audience bases, and bringing new content that was previously inaccessible to millions of viewers.
This new multi-year agreement between Eutelsat and iKO Media Group represents a new business model for Eutelsat, showcasing its ability to evolve as a solutions provider, working with partners to develop solutions that provide value to both clients and their end-users.
The service has already been selected by Albania’s leading pay-TV platform, DigitAlb, at 16° East, to expand its content offer and attract new subscribers.
Arnaud Verlhac, eCLUTCH CO-Founder, commented
“Close to 1 billion people around the world watch video game and tournaments. For media, E-sports is a huge opportunity to reach a new target audience in the same way they already do with sports, music, or events. I am really excited to build this bridge with such a strong and trusted partner as Eutelsat. The launch of eCLUTCH on DigitAlb, and across the EMEA region, is the achievement of several months of hard work, but just the start of a fantastic adventure.”
Laurence Delpy, President of Eutelsat Video Business Unit, added,
“We are honoured to be selected by IKO Media to launch this innovative new platform. The deal showcases both the new types of content we are bringing to satellite, as well as satellite’s role in enabling broadcasters to extend their reach and target new audience bases. We are also delighted to see our anchor client, DigitAlb, already making eCLUTCH available for its subscribers.”
DigitAlb CEO, Eglinor Ramaj, said of the new package,
“Launching this eSport channel package will help us attract new audience demographics. As a well-established TV Platform, DigitAlb is able to provide larger audiences for eSports channels, while these channels will help us attract a younger digital-native demographic, to whom we can offer a high quality, large screen experience for their eSports passion.”
About Eutelsat Group
Eutelsat Group is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of Eutelsat and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 35 geostationary (GEO) satellites and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses customers’ needs in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Group’s unique suite of in-orbit assets and on-ground infrastructure enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and Eutelsat Group employs more than 1,700 people from more than 50 countries. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL) and the London Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).
