| Gateway Television (GTV) | |
| Type: | Television |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Available: | Africa |
| Founder: | Julian McIntyre |
| Broadcast Area: | Africa |
| Owner: | The Blackstone Group |
| Website: | www.gatewaycommunications.com |
Gateway Television (GTV) is a Pan-African, American-owned subscription TV network based in London. The British-based company Gateway Television is owned by the American company, The Blackstone Group.
GTV held the rights to 80% of league matches for the Premier League.[1]
They also held the rights for the CECAFA Cup.
In February 2007, Gateway Communications announced that it would enter the subscription television market. The service was to be rolled out in phases and would launch three channels exclusive to the operator, G-Prime, G-Sports 1 and G-Sports 2. The aim was to be a pay-TV operator for Africa, and one that didn't merely relay European or American content.[2] In March it was decided that GTV would use the Eutelsat W3A satellite to deliver its services, aiming to increase the number of pay-TV subscribers in Africa. The first phase would see its service launched over East Africa, followed by West and Southern Africa. Another drawing point was the buying of 80% of the Premier League matches in order to lure new subscribers.[3]
In January 2009, GTV announced it had gone into liquidation blaming "the current financial and global crisis".[4]