Citi FM Ends 18-Year Run of Live English Premier League Commentary

Strategic Insights -

Citi FM has announced the end of its 18-year partnership as a rebroadcast station of live English Premier League commentary in Ghana, citing increasing subscription costs that have made the service unsustainable. This decision has left many football fans without a trusted source for live EPL coverage, a gap that will be felt for the first time in nearly two decades. The station's Managing Director, Samuel Attah-Mensah, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating that despite the challenges, Citi FM will continue to deliver comprehensive sports news and analysis to its audience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Citi FM will discontinue live English Premier League commentary broadcasts after 18 years, effective with the 2025/26 Premier League season.
  • The decision was made due to soaring subscription costs that have made the service unsustainable for the station.
  • Citi FM has been a trusted source of live EPL coverage in Ghana, bringing fans every match, as well as fixtures from the FA Cup and League Cup.
  • The station will continue to deliver comprehensive sports news, detailed analysis, and regular updates across all platforms despite ending live broadcasts.
  • Citi FM's exit reflects the growing challenges media houses face in securing affordable access to premium sports content, amid rising broadcasting rights fees globally.
  • Football fans in Ghana will need to explore alternative platforms to follow their favourite teams as Citi FM bids farewell to a cherished era in its sports broadcasting history.

Statistics:

  • 18 years: The duration of Citi FM's partnership as a rebroadcast station of live English Premier League commentary in Ghana.
  • 2025/26: The season marking the first time in nearly 20 years without Citi FM's live commentary.
  • 20 years: The nearly two-decade history of Citi FM's sports broadcasting in Ghana.
  • Rising: The trend of broadcasting rights fees globally, posing challenges for media houses to secure affordable access to premium sports content.

Sources:

  • The Herald
  • SyndiGate Media Inc.