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‘Hefty’ SEA Games broadcasting fee may see Malaysians missing out on action

Malaysians may miss out on the upcoming SEA Games action – and it could turn out to be for the right reasons.

RTM is staring at the possibility of forking out some RM18 million for exclusive rights to broadcast the regional Games and Asean Para Games.

Those in the thick of the negotiations labelled the sum as “ridiculous”, adding that broadcasters from other nations too, have expressed their disappointment over the exorbitant broadcasting fees.

The fee does not include the operations cost. If RTM decides to send a team to cover the SEA Games, it could cost an additional RM1.2 million to RM2 million, depending on the size of the team, the accommodation, transportation, satellite fees, fees to set up a mini studio, and other related expenditures. The exchange rate is also a factor, as the ringgit is now at 4.48 against the US dollar.

It is learnt that RTM had earlier spent RM17.3 million to secure the rights to air 75 local football league matches this season.

The 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, will be held from May 5 to May 17. The Malaysian contingent will be represented by 677 athletes (403 men and 274 women), and 237 officials.

Vietnam has become one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to acquire broadcasting rights for the 2023 SEA Games.

While there are concerns of a possible backlash if the SEA Games action is not aired on national television, the taxpayers’ money would be better served weathering the current economic climate and rising cost of living.

Sports fans in Thailand also spoke out against the purchase of the live broadcasting rights for the SEA Games following reports that the country would have to pay US$800,000 (RM3.58 million) to air the multi-sports event.

The Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (Camsoc), however, denied that the host nation had demanded a “hefty fee” from Thailand for the broadcasting rights. Khmer Times quoted the committee’s secretary-general Vath Chomroeu as saying: “We (Camsoc) are not involved in fee negotiations, as we leave it to our agency.”

Broadcasters from the various Southeast Asian nations are set to gather in Phnom Penh today and tomorrow for a media and broadcast conference.

The idea to sell the SEA Games broadcasting rights was first mooted at the 2007 Korat SEA Games in Thailand. However, the idea then, was shot down by broadcasters.

When Malaysia hosted the 2017 SEA Games, a ‘commitment fee’ of US$5,000 was imposed on the broadcasters.

The Philippines imposed a similar fee two years later, while Vietnam charged US$10,000 when the nation hosted the 2021 SEA Games.