Football screenings deal
AN AGREEMENT has been reached between the state broadcaster BRT and the TRNC Football Association (KTFF) after a crisis had threatened to derail live broadcasts of football matches.
Early this week it was reported that live screening of football matches would be halted this weekend and camera crews from the broadcaster banned from grounds.
The row had broken out after newly appointed BRT head Aysu Basri Akter announced she would switch the broadcasts from the customary BRT1 HD (high definition) channel to non-HD BRT 2.
The news brought objections from KTFF president Hasan Sertoğlu, who said: “We have received reactions from clubs, fans and the football community in general.
“A decision has been taken not to allow BRTK cameramen into the stadiums for this week’s games.”
KTFF foreign affairs officer Orçun Kamalı told Cyprus Today: “At a time when we are supposed to be going forward, we are going backwards. BRTK HD allows our football to be shown in top quality, not only to those with satellite dishes in the TRNC, but also to viewers in Turkey and to Turkish Cypriots abroad.
“We want even more cameras sent to the games, and for more publicity and attention to be shown. The BRTK 1 HD channel offers top quality broadcasting and allows us to show off our football.”
The crisis was resolved after a meeting on Thursday when Ms Akter changed her mind. However it was agreed that live football could move to BRT 2 when the channel switched to HD.