The 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is underway in Cote d’Ivoire, with 24 national teams vying for the continental trophy. But the action is not only on the field, but also on social media, where two of Ghana’s TV stations are engaging in a hilarious and witty war of words over the viewership of the tournament.
It all started when StarTimes Ghana, a pay-TV service that uses both satellite and terrestrial technology to broadcast its channels, mocked GTV, the state-owned national broadcaster, for interrupting its programmes for government events.
“We are sorry we have to break this transmission to make way for a live address from the independence square” Free diɛɛɛɛ saaaaa”, wrote @startimesghana, using a Twi word that means very cheap.
GTV, which uses terrestrial technology and has been struggling to generate revenue from TV licence fees, did not take the shade lightly. The station, which claims to be the only one accredited to broadcast the AFCON 2023 in Ghana, hit back at StarTimes Ghana with a sarcastic reply.
“Twinkle twinkle little “Startimes” Now we have a bigger fish to fry Focus on your GPL If not, we will come and take it from you We are the station of the Nation. #AFCON2023 #AFCONonGTV”, wrote @GTV_Ghana, referring to the Ghana Premier League, which both stations broadcast.
StarTimes Ghana, which has been offering flexible and affordable subscription plans, as well as a rich blend of local and foreign content, had the last word in the exchange. The pay-TV service, which boasts of having exclusive rights to some of the AFCON matches, implied that GTV was outdated and irrelevant.
“Sing along. Ancient of days as old as you are. As old as you are. You remain the same.”, wrote @startimesghana, quoting a popular gospel song.
This exchange was the latest episode in the social media war for AFCON 2023 viewership, which began when GTV posted a cryptic message on its Facebook page, which read: “Bad weather and a Satellite TV. If you know, you know! #AFCON2023”.
The post, which went viral, was interpreted by some netizens as a subtle dig at DSTV Ghana, the pay-TV giant that uses satellite technology to broadcast its channels. The implication was that DSTV’s signal would be disrupted by bad weather during the AFCON matches, while GTV would provide uninterrupted coverage.
DSTV Ghana, which claims to have the best picture and sound quality, as well as exclusive rights to some of the AFCON matches, responded to GTV’s post with a series of posts of its own, challenging the quality and variety of GTV’s programmes.
The online rivalry between GTV, DSTV Ghana and StarTimes Ghana has generated a lot of reactions from football fans, who are eagerly following the AFCON 2023, which will end on February 11, 2023.
Defending champions Senegal will be among the favourites to retain their title, along with Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt.
The social media war for AFCON 2023 viewership has been entertaining and hilarious, but also informative and competitive. It has shown the different strengths and weaknesses of the three TV platforms, as well as their strategies and tactics to win over the viewers.
Who will emerge as the ultimate winner of this epic battle? Will it be GTV, the station of the nation? Will it be DSTV Ghana, the pay-TV giant? Or will it be StarTimes Ghana, the pay-TV challenger?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the viewers are in for a treat.
