New Delhi: News9, India’s only independent digital-first English news platform, has etched its name in history as the first news network to broadcast a professional football match live on a news channel. This landmark initiative underscores News9’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional news programming and delivering compelling content to its viewers.
The live telecast featured a dramatic showdown at the iconic Allianz Arena as Bayer Leverkusen stunned Bayern Munich 1-0 in the German Cup, securing their place in the quarter-finals. News9’s comprehensive coverage, on television and digital platforms, brought football fans an immersive viewing experience of this thrilling encounter.
The match was marked by high-intensity drama. Bayern Munich found themselves at a disadvantage in the 17th minute when their goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, was shown a straight red card for a foul outside the box. Despite being a man down, Bayern created several opportunities, with standout performances from Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka. However, it was Leverkusen’s substitute Nathan Tella who scored the decisive goal with a brilliant header in the 69th minute, sealing a memorable victory for Xabi Alonso’s team.
Revolutionizing News Content
“This initiative is a milestone not just for News9, but for the evolution of news media in India,” said Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network. “By bringing live football action to a news channel, we are redefining the way news and entertainment intersect, catering to a diverse audience that craves more than just headlines. This is the future of engaging and relevant news broadcasting.”
Unparalleled Coverage
News9’s pre- and post-match analysis provided rich insights into the match, featuring seasoned football experts and exclusive data on key moments. For those seeking a quick recap, a short STD/VO encapsulated the night’s drama, detailing Bayer Leverkusen’s resilient performance and Bayern Munich’s first defeat of the season in both league and cup play.
A New Era for News and Sports Broadcasting
News9’s foray into live sports broadcasting sets a new benchmark, signaling its commitment to innovation and broadening its audience reach. With this initiative, News9 has demonstrated its capability to blend news, sports, and entertainment seamlessly, providing viewers with a dynamic and engaging experience.
News9 is a 24×7 digital streaming offering from News9 Mediaverse, which includes News9 Plus, the world’s first news OTT platform, and News9live.com. Initially accessible on leading connected TV platforms such as Xiaomi TV+, Cloud TV, Jio TV, Yupp TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, TCL Channel, YouTube, and Meta, the platform has now broadened its horizons. News9 has also made its debut on DTH services. Viewers can now tune in via Tata Play on Channel 568, Siti Channel 423, Sun Direct Channel 568, and Airtel Digital Channel 399. Contact your cable operator to access this cutting-edge news experience.
