KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — The Malay Mail on Monday featured an insight into what would happen if satellite operator Astro decides to pull the plug on airing sports programmes because of the soaring cost of broadcasting. 

It weighed the factors should a situation like that arise, and Astro’s rationale behind the increase of RM6 for its sports package to keep airing the live telecasts. 

Subscribers and sports fans also gave their views. Some said the increase was justified but others called it a burden.

In this second part, The Malay Mail examines if Astro, as a commercial entity, is all about profit-making and foreign sports or if it is indeed committed towards local sports.

Many would say Astro is just another commercial entity interested in ringgit and sen. However, many fail to realise the role it plays in promoting local sports.

“As a commercial entity, I agree we look at profit. But we value the fact Malaysians love sports and we want to return the favour,” said Astro’s chief operating officer, Henry Tan.

“We have for the last three years through our sports channel Arena — the first and only 24/7 dedicated local sports channel in Malaysia—have been covering local sports widely, including live telecasts of various sports.

“This commitment on our part was made possible by working hand-in-hand with the Olympic Council of Malaysia. Our three year partnership is to promote, strengthen and develope Malaysian sports move forward.”

For the record, Astro channels RM1 million to OCM annually. The money is distributed among 17 national sports associations.

Tan labelled their commitment as “national service” despite losing some RM100 million a year for Arena.

“We have no intention of shelving it as it our commitment to cater for local sports,” said Tan.

Astro’s commitment towards local spots is evident as they are the only television station that provides live coverage of the Malaysia Games.

“We cover local sports in total, be it grassroots to popular sports like football or hockey.” 

Tan hoped corporate bodies would come forward to aid their cause.

“Although local football has one of the highest ratings, we find it tough to convince advertises.

“Our costs further accelerate as we do our best to produce the best programmes. Recently we purchased a state of the art camera to capture the defining moments in sports like badminton and sepak takraw.”

What the associations say:

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and national sports associations are grateful their sports are now being widely promoted.

Here are what some of the sports officials and athletes had to say about Astro and the increase in subscription:

OCM president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar

“The establishment of Astro Arena in March 2010 has made my dream come true. It has not been easy and I wish to thank Astro Arena for their strategic partnership with us. Over the past three years, Astro Arena has progressed tremendously. OCM and I are happy and proud that 17 national sports associations have signed partnership programmes with Astro Arena and I look forward to more associations signing up in the near future.

We are indeed fortunate we have one channel dedicated towards local sports but I do sympathise with them for it is not easy running a sports channel as Malaysian advertisers are selective.”

Badminton Association of Malaysia general manager Kenny Goh

“The emergence of a local sports channel was music to our ears. They provide coverage of international and domestic badminton competitions. Each week we get to view badminton and this was unheard of in the past.”

Penang Hockey Association president and former national skipper Datuk Ow Soon Kooi

“The increase is marginal compared to the various sports being provided for by Astro. I think we need to look at the whole matter rationally and not just be unhappy because the rise in the sports package. We have to acknowledge the fact that Astro brings world class action into our living rooms.”

OCM secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi

“Every good thing comes with a price. While as consumers we do not want an increase in any essential items, we have to realise that escalating costs to the suppliers will eventually be passed on to consumers. The option is with us to either pay or do away with it, and really the sports package is good and the increase is marginal.”

UniKL team manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim

“I do not mind paying the extra RM6 for the sports package. It is worth the money as we get far more Barclays Premier League matches than those in England. And then again, part of the money goes towards local sports through Arena and this has helped boost the coverage of local sports.”

National high jumper Lee Hup Wei

“As an athlete, we will lose out as it will affect the promotion of local sports as funding comes through the sports package. Not showing football does not affect me directly but taken as a whole we will lose out.”

Football Association of Malaysia general secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin

“Football is an important ingredient in the life of a sporting Malaysian. Astro needs to carry on showing football and sports as a whole. We cannot say that just because they had to increase the price, we now should stop watching football. The increase is justified.”