GOL TV
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Type | Cable network |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Availability | National Directv 614 (Eng), 426 (Esp) Dish Network 407 and 853 |
| Owner | GOLTV Inc. |
| Launch date | February 2003 |
| Past names | - |
| Website | http://www.goltv.tv |
GOLTV is the first television network dedicated fully to football (soccer) 24/7 in the United States.
GOLTV is based in Florida and is owned by GOLTV Inc. The network covers a wide range of football matches all over the world, including the Spanish League, Italian League, Brazilian League, and many leagues from South America and Central America. GOLTV is broadcast in both English and Spanish Language. Many subscribers can get both audios and chose which one to hear using the Secondary Audio Program (abbreviated as "SAP") feature on their television sets.
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[edit] The Foundation
Officially launched on February 2003, GOLTV was founded by two respected former professional football people who together also own a Montevideo, (Uruguay)-based broadcasting corporation called Tenfield which holds the commercial rights to the Primera División Uruguaya and internationally represents several television networks as well as 300 European and South American soccer stars. Tenfield was founded in 1998 as Tenfield SA and is the parent company of GOLTV.
The two founders are Francisco Casal, and Enzo Francescoli. Francisco Casal is the President, who with more than twenty years of experience managing the careers of over a hundred soccer stars from all over the world, founded GOLTV. Enzo Francescoli is the CEO and Managing Director who is another former player who is still respected and admired to this day. Enzo Francescoli had a great career starting at Wanderers in his native country of Uruguay to Argentina, France, Italy and back to Argentina winning league titles in Argentina, France as well as the Copa América and Copa Libertadores de América. Nicknamed "El Principe", Pelé named him one of 125 greatest players. As Vice-President and Managing Director, Francescoli oversees the channel's day-to-day operations and growth.
[edit] Programming
GOLTV broadcasts several leagues from Europe, South America and Central America.
Europe
- Italian Serie A - SPORTFIVE package covering about 80% of matches (does NOT include Lazio, Torino, Cagliari, or Catania home games) through the 2006-2007 season
- Spanish Primera Division (La Liga) - contract runs through 2008-2009 season
- German Bundesliga and German League Cup - contract runs through 2008-2009 season
- England - Arsenal TV and Liverpool TV through 2006-2007 season
South America
- League of Bolivia
- Brazil - Brazilian National Championship, Copa do Brasil, Sao Paulo State Championship
- Dimayor of Colombia
- Campeonato of Uruguay
Central America
- Liga Mayor of El Salvador
- Liga Nacional of Guatemala
- League of Honduras
Gol TV also broadcasts matches from the UEFA Cup as well as other international matches including friendlies and qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, European Cup, and UEFA Champions League
[edit] Other programs
45/45 - Debate show that airs Thursdays at 8pm US eastern time with analysis by experts Sammy Sadovnik, Ricardo Ortiz, Oscar Restrepo and special appearances by Omar Fuentes and Omar Orlando Salazar.
American Soccer - A show that reviews what's happening in soccer in the United States from the World Cup to youth soccer. American Soccer covers all levels of soccer with weekly updates from Major League Soccer, USL First Division and the growing number of US players abroad. The show is hosted by veteran soccer announcer Phil Schoen with Ray Hudson and Lindsey Dean who provide analysis, debate, discussion and interviews that airs Wednesdays at 8pm US Eastern Time.
Ciao, Serie A - A weekly series that provides a re-cap and highlights of all the games from the Serie A, airs Tuesdays at 8pm US Eastern Time.
Mexico, Lindo, y Futbol - A daily Mexican Futbol "lifestyle" magazine show which made its debut on May 5, 2006, replacing Super Estadio.
FIFA Futbol Mundial - An in-depth weekly magazine show that features mini documentaries, interviews and human interest stories that highlights the most significant and current happenings from the world of soccer. Airs Fridays at 7:30pm US Eastern Time.
GolTV News - Daily newscast that airs twice each day that is devoted exclusively to Soccer. With all the goals, exclusive interviews, analysis and transfer news. Mondays-Fridays at 7pm and midnight US Eastern Time
Fans United - Follows the life of dedicated fans and their teams and shows the life of a fan and his passion for the game, and his team.
Ole, La Liga - A weekly series that provides a re-cap and highlights of all the games from La Liga in Spain, airs Mondays at 8pm US Eastern Time.
VW Gol - A look at the best goals from around the world each week. Sundays at 11:30pm US Eastern Time.
[edit] Latest deals and growth
- On September 16 of 2004, GOL TV Inc. reached a 3-year agreement with the United States Soccer Federation to televise the US Open Cup final for 2004-2006. The agreement was terminated after the 2005 season, as the US Open Cup final will air on FOX Soccer Channel starting with the 2006 season.
- On January 11 of 2005, GOL TV Inc. reached a distribution agreement with DIRECTV to offer GOL TV and distribute it as part of the DIRECTV PARA TODOS and the DIRECTV SPORTS packages.
- On June 21 of 2005, GOL TV renewed its deal to broadcast the Italian 'Serie A' as well as the Brazilian League.
- On July 21 of 2005, Coca-Cola reached an agreement with GOL TV to promote not only its product but advertising channels as well. The new airing of 'Sabor a Gol' every Friday at 8:50pm and at 1:20am US eastern time is a weekly five minute segment showing goals from local and international leagues and tournaments from around the world that are sponsored by Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola deal comes after a similar deal with Volkswagen much earlier this year which resulted in the airing of a show called 'Volkswagen Gol'. 'Volkswagen Gol' was formally called 'A Todo Gol'. After two years, GOL TV now has close to eight million viewers.
